Classic spaghetti Bolognese

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

This classic recipe stays as true to the Italian way as possible – no garlic, white wine instead of red and a little milk splashed in at the end. A great source of iron and folate

Prep:10 mins
Cook:1 hrs

Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 801
fat 17g
saturates 5g
carbs 100g
sugars 17g
fibre 10g
protein 51g
salt 1.1g

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
50g pancetta cubes
400g lean beef mince
150g chicken livers, chopped, fat and sinew removed
1 large bay leaves
4 tbsp tomato purée
150ml white wine
500ml fresh chicken stock
300ml passata
500g pack spaghetti
50ml full-fat milk
Parmesan, grated, to serve

Method

Heat 1 1/2 tbsp oil in a large pan or flameproof casserole dish over a low-medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots with a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened but not coloured. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.
Pour the remaining oil into the pan, increase the heat and tip in the pancetta. Cook for 3-4 mins until golden. Add the mince and chicken livers, and cook for a further 5 mins until browned, breaking down the mince with the back of a wooden spoon.
Return the vegetables to the pan and add the bay leaf and tomato purée. Cook for a 1 min more and mix well. Pour in the wine and reduce by half. Add the stock and passata with some seasoning and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce bubble away for 35-40 mins, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and you are left with a thick ragu.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil 15 mins before the sauce is ready. Drop in the pasta, cook following pack instructions until al dente, then drain.
To finish the sauce, stir in the milk and season to taste. Tip the pasta onto a plate and top with the Bolognese. Serve with the Parmesan.