Is there anything more comforting than Spag Bol? Homely & Humble, we all have a recipe for this family favourite. It’s just so Tasty, Cheap to make & the Epitome of Comfort Food, Simple & loved by all young & old it’s a real crowd pleaser. This is my low fat version. Spag bol doesn’t require much effort but it does require one important ingredient & that is time. It’s easy to throw together but it’s essential to allow it to reduce down into a flavoursome, glossy, thick ragu. I’m often asked how to stop spag bol from being watery & tasteless & the answer is time, time & patience. This needs simmering on a low heat for a minimum of at least an hour after preparing but I’ve been known to simmer this baby for up to 4 hours & it just gets better & better with age. This serves 4 at just 10pp without Cheese or free on thw filling & healthy plan if you use wholewheat spaghetti (add 3pp for 30g of reduced fat cheddar or only 1pp for 10g of Parmesan)   
500g 5% Fat Lean Minced Beef

1 Onion Finely Diced

2 Large Carrots Finely Diced

2 Sticks of Celery Finely Diced

1 Clove of Garlic Crushed

2 Tins of Plum Tomatoes

1 Tbsp Tomato Purée 

1 Beef Stock Cube

1&1/2 Tsps Dried Oregano

A Few Spigs Fresh Rosemary Finely Chopped 

A Handful of Fresh Basil 

Salt & Black Pepper 

880g Cooked White Spaghetti 

or 780g Cooked Wholewheat Spaghetti 

(Optional) 30g Reduced Fat Cheddar

or 10g Grated Parmesan 

 Heat a large pot over a medium heat & spray with sprayoil. Add the onion & fry for approximately 5 minutes. Add in the carrots & celery & fry for a further 5 minutes. Add the mince & cook until browned. Add the garlic & cook for a further minute. Add in the tomatoes chopping them with a sharp knife once in the pot. Add the Purée, crumbled stock cube & the rest of the herbs & salt & pepper except the basil. Cook over a low heat uncovered for at least an hour stirring occasionally. Meanwhile prepare the spaghetti according to packet instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Just before serving tear the basil leaves into the bolognese & stir through. Serve on top of the cooked spaghetti with the grated cheese if desired & enjoy!