Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite worldwide. Here’s an authentic recipe for spaghetti bolognese that will take you straight to Italy.

Ingredients for spaghetti bolognese:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• celery stalk, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• Tin of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef back to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, beef stock, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
7. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water before adding the spaghetti.
8. Once the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the bolognese sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce.
10. Serve the spaghetti bolognese hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese (if desired). Enjoy!

Note: Traditional bolognese sauce is meant to be quite thick, so if you find that your sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for longer to thicken it up. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the saucepan when you add the other spices.

Classic Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe

This hearty and comforting classic beef stew with dumplings is a traditional dish that’s perfect for a cosy dinner. Rich, flavourful, and filling, it’s sure to be a family favourite.

Ingredients for Beef Stew:

• Beef Stew:
  • 800g stewing beef, cut into cubes
  • 3 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Dumplings:

• Dumplings:
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 100g suet
  • Cold water
  • Salt, to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Toss the beef cubes in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
   • In a large pot or casserole, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
   • Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Make the Stew:
   • Return the beef to the pot. Add beef stock, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Prepare Dumplings:
   • While the stew simmers, make the dumplings. Mix the self-raising flour and suet with a pinch of salt. Add enough cold water to form a soft but firm dough.
   • Roll the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
5. Add Dumplings to Stew:
   • Place the dumplings on top of the simmering stew. Make sure they’re spaced apart.
   • Cover and cook for another 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are well risen and fluffy.
6. Final Touches:
   • Check the seasoning of the stew and adjust if necessary.
   • Remove bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the beef stew into bowls and top each with a couple of dumplings.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

This classic beef stew and dumplings recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Pan-Fried Cauliflower Steak Recipe

This pan-fried cauliflower steak recipe is a delicious and hearty vegetarian option that packs a punch of flavor. It’s a simple, yet impressive way to transform cauliflower into a main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or thyme)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
   • Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem, leaving the core intact.
   • Place the cauliflower on its base and slice it into 1 to 1.5-inch thick steaks. Depending on the size of your cauliflower, you can get about 2 to 4 steaks. Use the remaining florets for another recipe.
2. Season the Steaks:
   • Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with olive oil.
   • Season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika.
3. Pan-Fry the Steaks:
   • Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Once the oil is hot, place the cauliflower steaks in the pan. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
   • Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and tender. Be gentle when flipping to keep the steaks intact.
4. Add Finishing Touches:
   • For added flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the steaks during the last few minutes of cooking.
   • If you prefer, you can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty finish.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the cauliflower steaks to a serving plate.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
   • Serve hot as a main course or a substantial side dish. They pair beautifully with a variety of sauces or grains like quinoa or couscous.
6. Enjoy:
   • Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious pan-fried cauliflower steaks, a delightful vegetarian dish that’s sure to impress!

This recipe offers a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a creative and appetizing form, perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.