Spaghetti bolognese

Serves 6

This basic mince sauce can be used in many ways and is perfect for a mid-week meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sunflower oil
• 500 g lean beef mince
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk with leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 green pepper, seeds removed and chopped
• 2 carrots, grated
• 2 tsp (10 ml) each dried thyme and mixed herbs
• 1 x 410 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) chutney
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• lemon juice and black pepper to taste
• 300 g spaghetti

Process:

1. Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry mince until browned. Spoon out and drain excess fat.
2. Heat another 1 tsp of the oil in the same pan and fry onion, celery, garlic and green pepper for a few minutes.
3. Add carrots, herbs, tomatoes, tomato paste, chutney and ½ tsp salt with meat. Reduce heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
4. Season well with lemon juice and pepper.
5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add pasta and the remaining ½ tsp salt. Cook until tender and drain well. Stir in the remaining 1 tsp oil.
6. Serve warm pasta with spaghetti sauce.