Bolognese Sauce

Instructions

1. 01

   Cook the base veggies (soffritto) – Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and full of flavour (do not rush this step). Add the water gradually as this will help to soften the vegetables and stop them browning/caramelising.

2. 02

   Add the beef – Increase the heat to high, add the beef, salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes until the beef has browned, breaking it up as you go with a wooden spoon or spatula.

3. 03

   Add the tomato paste – Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

4. 04

   Add the passata – Add the passata or crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, beef stock and sugar, if using.

5. 05

   Cook – Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cook, covered, for 35 minutes (see note 4).

6. 06

   Check seasoning – Once cooked, season with more salt and pepper to taste.

7. 07

   Serve – Stir the sauce through the cooked pasta and serve with freshly grated parmesan and chilli oil, if using.