Spaghetti Bolognese recipe
 Once you’ve got this grown-up spag bol going the hob will do the rest. Any leftovers will taste even better the next day. 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil from the jar6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, chopped2 large onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, crushed1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef2 large glasses of red wine2x400g cans chopped tomatoes1x290g jar antipasti marinated mushrooms, drained2 fresh or dried bay leaves1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of fresh leaves, chopped1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of fresh leaves, choppedDrizzle balsamic vinegar12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oilSalt and freshly ground black pepperA good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghettiLots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve 2 tbsp olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil from the jar 6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, chopped 2 large onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1kg/2¼lb lean minced beef 2 large glasses of red wine 2x400g cans chopped tomatoes 1x290g jar antipasti marinated mushrooms, drained 2 fresh or dried bay leaves 1 tsp dried oregano or a small handful of fresh leaves, chopped 1 tsp dried thyme or a small handful of fresh leaves, chopped Drizzle balsamic vinegar 12-14 sun-dried tomato halves, in oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper A good handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces 800g-1kg/1¾-2¼lb dried spaghetti Lots of freshly grated parmesan, to serve Method Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes, drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar.Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally. At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary.Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more cheese and a twist of black pepper. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes, drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry the bacon until golden over a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, frying until softened. Increase the heat and add the minced beef. Fry it until it has browned, breaking down any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and boil until it has reduced in volume by about a third. Reduce the temperature and stir in the tomatoes, drained mushrooms, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and balsamic vinegar. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally. At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary. Either blitz the sun-dried tomatoes in a small blender with a little of the oil to loosen, or just finely chop before adding to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer the Bolognese sauce over a gentle heat for 1-1½ hours until it's rich and thickened, stirring occasionally. At the end of the cooking time, stir in the basil and add any extra seasoning if necessary. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more cheese and a twist of black pepper. Remove from the heat to 'settle' while you cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water (for the time stated on the packet). Drain and divide between warmed plates. Scatter a little parmesan over the spaghetti before adding a good ladleful of the Bolognese sauce, finishing with a scattering of more cheese and a twist of black pepper. Recipe tips You can make a veggie version of this recipe by substituting soya mince or Quorn for the meat, adding it to the sauce halfway through cooking. Or simply add lots of diced vegetables to the onions, such as courgettes, carrots, peppers and aubergines.