Ineedfitness

Recipe Name:Spaghetti bolognese is an old favourite - our research shows it's one of the most popular dishes to both cook and eat with friends. Try this easy version of the well-known meal and get 2 portions of your 5 A DAY at the same time.

Recipe Description:Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cost per serving: £0.83

5 A DAY portions per serving: 2

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
4 medium sized carrots (diced)
A handful of mushrooms, quartered
1 cup frozen peas or 1 small can peas
1 clove garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
2 pinches mixed herbs
400g extra lean mince or quorn (V)
2 tablespoons tomato puree
400g spaghetti (check packet for cooking instructions)
Freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat the oli in a large pan
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 mins.
3. Add the mince/quorn and cook over a high heat, stirring for a further 3 mins or until the meat is brown.
4. Add the carrots and cook for 2 mins.
5. Add mushrooms, peas, mixed herbs, tomatoes and tomato puree, cover and simmer for approximately 25 mins.

(V) For a mouth-watering vegetarian bolognese, add 4 cupfuls of red lentils to the pan instead of the mince. Lentils absorb lots of water so check the pan and add water if required.

6. Boil spaghetti for 8 mins or according to the pack instructions - you could try the old trick of chucking a small strand of the spaghetti at the wall - if it sticks it's cooked.
7. Drain the pasta and server with delicious sauce on top.
8. Serve with a salad for extra benefits.

And there's more:

Chill out

Add a tin of kidney beans to the bolognese and a pinch of chilli powder to transform it into an effortless Chilli Con Carne - best with rice or a jacket potato instead of pasta.

Recipe Calories: Kcal