Bolognese Sauce

Everyone has their own recipe for bolognese sauce but by being sneaky you can add a few extra vegetable serves to yours.  My eldest daughter does not like vegetables and dinner time at out house is usually a battle.  This sauce is excellent because I can add a heap of vegetables and she is none the wiser.  Last night I added zucchini, carrot and pumpkin. To add extra fiber to her diet I also cook wholemeal spaghetti.  She has no idea once it is mixed in with the sauce.

Bolognese Sauce

• 1 kg lean good quality beef mince
• 2 tins tomato puree (no added salt, no added sugar)
• 2 garlic cloves (diced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 small handful basil
• any extra vegetables you would like to add (carrot, zucchini, eggplant, pumpkin)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

In a large non stick pan fry off onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened.  If using dry herbs add them now and allow to cook off. In a small food processor process your extra vegetables.  When vegetables are processed add your tomato paste.  This will make the vegetables a red colour and they will be easily disguised.  Add vegetables to the pan and allow cook for 2 – 3 minutes.   Add mince and cook until browned.  If you are using a good quality mince there should be no excess liquid in the pan. Add herbs and pour in tomatoes and allow to simmer for a minimum of 30 minutes over a low heat.  Once the tomato mixture has cooked down taste and then season just before serving.  As I have two young children I do not overly season this sauce.  You can add a teaspoon of chilli powder if you like a kick or add a lot more herbs for extra flavour.

When buying your tomatoes it is important that you read the back of the label.  Some brands add salt and sugar.  Ardmona Pureed Tomatoes are just as the label says.  Pureed tomatoes and they are also an Australian product.