The other night I worried about just how happy a bowl of pasta makes me and if that was normal then I overheard a Nonna at the Italian grocer saying the key to eternal happiness in life was tomato sauce.
It’s times like this that makes me wonder if I was born on the wrong side of the world and if only I was to be blessed with thick hair, I could pass as Italian and therefore – by way of pure family expectation – be part of tomato sauce day.
In the meantime I’ll just sit here and await an invitation for my ultimate bucket list tick off. Hint hint.
Chicken Bolognese with Casarecce Pasta
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 sprig of rosemary, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1kg chicken mince
3tbs tomato paste
Half a bottle of white wine
2 cans crushed tomatoes
2tsp sugar
2tsp balsamic vinegar
Salt & pepper
500g casarecce pasta
Basil & parmesan to serve
Method
Heat a large glug of olive oil in a skillet, pot or large non stick pan and add your onion, garlic, rosemary and carrot. Saute gently over a low heat, stirring regularly for 10-15 minutes without colouring the veg, just making them translucent.
Add the mince and tomato pasta, breaking up the mince as you go until the meat is coloured then pour in the wine, cans of tomatoes, one can full of water, sugar, balsamic and salt and pepper. Bring to the boil then reduce to a low heat and simmer uncovered for an hour. I know this may feel long, but it needs that time to develop the richness the chicken lacks on its own so patience my friends!
While that’s on, cook your pasta.
Once the bolognese is looking thick and delicious, have a taste. If you want more oomph, add a touch more balsamic and salt & pepper, but remember the basil and parmesan will level out the flavour a little more when you’re eating it so go lightly.
