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A steaming bowl of classic spaghetti Bolognese topped with fresh basil.

Best way to grow your perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to cultivating fresh ingredients for a homemade spaghetti bolognese, emphasizing the joy of gardening and fresh produce. It combines gardening tips with culinary preparation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Gardening Ingredients
  • 1 packet Tomato seeds
  • 1 packet Sweet Pepper seeds
  • 1 packet Onion sets
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves
  • 1 packet Herb seeds (Basil, Oregano)
Bolognese Ingredients
  • 500 g Ground Beef
  • 400 g Pasta (Spaghetti)
  • 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
  • 150 ml Red wine
  • 250 ml Beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese for serving
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Sugar optional, to balance acidity

Equipment

  • Garden Plot/Pots
  • Gardening Tools
  • Large Pot/Dutch Oven
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Gardening Steps
  1. Plant your tomato, bell pepper, onion, and herb seeds in well-draining soil, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight and water.
  2. Care for your plants by regularly watering them, providing appropriate nutrients, and protecting them from pests, allowing them to grow until ripe for harvest.
  3. Once your vegetables and herbs are ready, carefully harvest them for use in your bolognese sauce.
Bolognese Preparation
  1. Finely chop the harvested onions and garlic, and dice the bell peppers.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the ground beef to brown, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Drain excess fat, then add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
  4. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer until reduced by half.
  5. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, beef broth, fresh basil, and oregano, then season with salt, pepper, and an optional teaspoon of sugar.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor, stirring occasionally.
  7. While the bolognese simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  8. Serve the bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, allow the bolognese sauce to simmer for up to 2 hours, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. This recipe celebrates the produce's journey from garden to table, ensuring unparalleled freshness in your final dish.