Smoky Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients

• 500 g beef mince
• 400 g spaghetti
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 tbsp BlixSam Pasta a la Sam
• ½–1 tsp BlixSam Smoke Craft
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 × 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cream or cream cheese
• Parmesan, to serve
• Fresh parsley or basil, to garnish

Method

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add Pasta a la Sam and Smoke Craft and bloom for about 20–30 seconds.
2. Add the onion, garlic and grated carrot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Turn the heat to high and add the remaining oil. Add the mince in batches and brown it properly. Let it develop dark caramelised edges rather than constantly stirring it.
4. Return the onion mixture to the pan.
5. Add the tomato paste and fry for 1–2 minutes until it becomes darker and slightly caramelised.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Stir well.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick, rich and glossy.
8. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in boiling water until just al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.
9. Stir the cream or cream cheese into the Bolognese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10. Add the spaghetti directly to the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until every strand is beautifully coated.

💛 BlixSam Tip