BASIC BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Serves 4–6

         1 tablespoon olive oil

         600g good-quality beef mince

         250g good-quality pork mince

         1 large onion, finely diced

         2 cloves garlic, crushed

         3 tablespoons tomato paste

         400g can diced tomatoes

         ¾ teaspoon dried mixed herbs or 3 teaspoons chopped rosemary

         1 cup chicken or beef stock or water

         1 teaspoon salt

         ½ teaspoon brown sugar

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium–high heat and add the minces. Cook, stirring to break up the meat, until it changes colour.

Add the onion and continue to cook until the onion is softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to the boil, stirring so that the sauce does not catch. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often, until the flavours are combined and sauce reduced.