BIG-BATCH BOLOGNESE

Big-batch bolognese image

Whip up a huge batch of bolognese that's fit to feed a hungry crowd, or freeze half for a speedy midweek meal

Provided by Barney Desmazery

Time 1h55m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil
6 smoked bacon rashers, chopped
4 onions, finely chopped
3 carrots, finely chopped
4 celery sticks, finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp dried mixed herbs
2 bay leaves
500g mushrooms, sliced
1½ kg lean minced beef (or use half beef, half pork mince)
6 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
6 tbsp tomato purée
large glass red wine (optional)
4 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
parmesan, to serve

Steps:

Heat the oil in a very large saucepan. Gently cook the bacon, onions, carrots and celery for 20 mins until golden. Add the garlic, herbs, bay and mushrooms, then cook for 2 mins more.
Heat a large frying pan until really hot. Crumble in just enough mince to cover the pan, cook until brown, then tip in with the veg. Continue to fry the mince in batches until used up. Tip the tomatoes and purée in with the mince and veg. Rinse the cans out with the red wine, if you have some, or with a little water, then add to the pan with the vinegar and sugar. Season generously and bring to a simmer. Simmer slowly for 1 hr until thick and saucy and the mince is tender. Serve with pasta and parmesan.
If you want to make this in a slow cooker, visit our slow cooker bolognese recipe.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Fat 12 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 13 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 11 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 34 grams protein, Sodium 0.87 milligram of sodium