Roasted Garlic Bolognese

Ingredients

• 1 whole bulb garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for cooking
• 500 g beef mince
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 tbsp BlixSam Pasta a la Sam
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 × 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 400 g spaghetti
• 30 g butter
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley or basil, to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Slice the very top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap loosely in foil and roast for 30–35 minutes, until completely soft and golden.
3. Allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins. Mash into a smooth paste.
4. Heat a little oil in a large pan. Add Pasta a la Sam and bloom for about 20–30 seconds to release its flavour.
5. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
6. Increase the heat and add the beef mince. Brown it thoroughly, allowing some dark caramelised edges to develop.
7. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
8. Stir in the roasted garlic paste, making sure it melts evenly through the mince.
9. Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, oregano and black pepper.
10. Simmer uncovered over low-medium heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick, glossy and rich. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
11. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.
12. Add the spaghetti directly to the Bolognese with the butter and a splash of pasta water. Toss over low heat until the sauce beautifully coats the pasta.
13. Finish with Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.

💛 BlixSam Tip