Mention spaghetti bolognese and it’s almost guaranteed to get your mouth watering. Friends commonly gather around for cosey nights in with ‘spag-bowl’ as their dish of choice. It’s easy to make, takes very little time to prepare, costs very little to make a lot, and it tastes so darn good. 

Thinking about it, have you ever met anyone who doesn’t like spaghetti bolognese?

It is also one of those dishes where you can easily introduce your unique spark of creativity to mix things up. To help you along your creative journey we have included a recipe at the end of this blog.

But first, let’s explore the history of this wonderful dish that brings so much joy to so many. 

Where it all began

You could be forgiven for believing that Bolognese came from the city of Bologna in Italy, but actually, it didn’t. It was born in the neighbouring city of Imola. The original recipe was quite different from the one we all know and love today. Although it was made with minced meat, it didn’t have the rich tomato base that gives bolognese its deep flavour and texture. The dish was more closely related to a French ragout simmered in vegetables and broth. 

The original recipe was created in the 18th century by a chef named Alberto Alvisi, who used to cook for a religious figurehead who became the pope. The tomato mix was introduced much later in the 19th century. 

Loved by all everywhere

Spaghetti bolognese is not just a family favourite at home, it is served in restaurants, pubs, diners and cafes everywhere. There is almost always a pasta dish on every menu because it is deemed a safe and neutral option, and bolognese is one of the dishes that always makes the grade. 

If you find yourself having to cook for unexpected guests, impulsively hungry children, or you just feel like treating yourself, spaghetti bolognese is a safe bet because you can whip it up in no time, In fact, as far as the flavour to time ratio is concerned, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option.

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Must read: Farm-To-Plate: Understanding the impact of local meat sourcing

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The bear necessities 

The common and necessary ingredients for spaghetti bolognese are very simple:

  • Minced meat, normally beef
  • Tomatoes or tomato passata, or tomato sauce
  • Spaghetti 

If you want to get creative, try mixing things up by including any of the following (not necessarily at the same time).

Ok, we have kept you waiting long enough, let’s get you that recipe so you can get cooking. 

Chef’s special lamb bolognese with pappardelle

This recipe swaps the traditional ground beef for flavorful lamb. Pappardelle, a broad, ribbon-like pasta, replaces spaghetti for a textural contrast.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 500g ground lamb
  • 100g lamb ham, diced
  • 1 glass red [non-alcoholic] wine (optional) 
  • 400g chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
  • 400g pappardelle pasta
  • Parmesan cheese, for grating.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they have softened.
  1. Add the lamb and lamb ham, and cook until browned.
  1. Pour in the red wine and simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
  1. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
  1. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until thickened.
  1. Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package directions.
  1. Stir the chopped basil into the sauce.
  1. Drain the pasta and toss it in with the sauce.
  1. Serve with grated Parmesan or mature cheddar cheese.

Final thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with a spaghetti bolognese. Not unless you try and that’s not something we recommend. Stick to the formula, it works every time and with our recipe above, you’re well on your way for a cosy night in with your new favourite twist to this classic dish. 

Each type of meat has its unique flavour profile, so get creative. We have the best quality organic lamb, beef and chicken mince, so you’re spoilt for choice.