In The Kitchen With Kanta: Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a dish that originates from Italy.  The ‘Bolognese’ part is meat based and is made up of minced meat and a thick sauce.  This mixed with spaghetti and occasionally topped with grated parmesan cheese; makes this delicious and comforting meal.

Since I have been here I have missed some of my home comforts, and so I set about trying to find the necessary ingredients to satisfy my cravings.  The ingredients were surprisingly easy to find. I found that Shoprite was more cost effective than the other stores and I would definitely recommend that you go there, to get your ingredients.  So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started…

Preparation and cooking time: 1 hr 10 mins

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil/ vegetable oil
• 400g of minced beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 100g of carrots, grated
• 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 400ml of beef stock
• 400g dried spaghetti
• salt and pepper
• 2 tsp Paprika

Method

Marinade the mince with paprika, salt and pepper.  Over a medium – high heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil.  Once hot add the beef mince and cook until well browned (be careful not to burn the mince). Once browned, transfer the mince to a bowl and set aside.

Add another tablespoon of oil to the same saucepan.  Add the onions and a pinch of salt and fry gently for 5-6 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes; then add the grated carrot and pour the mince back into the saucepan.

Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, stir well. Pour in the stock and then reduce the temperature to simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and rich. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

While the mice sauce is cooking, cook the spaghetti, heat a large saucepan of water and add a pinch of salt. Cook according to the packet instructions. Once the spaghetti is cooked through, drain and serve.

Serving

Plate up your Spaghetti Bolognese; garnish with some grated parmesan, cheddar cheese or basil (optional).  Enjoy

Kanta Temba is a cake maker and decorator. She is also the owner and founder of Kanta Kakes – cake shop.

You can find her work on www.kantakakes.com.  Follow her on twitter @KantaKakes and Instagram @KantaTemba.