Jem’s Gluten Free Eats

Spaghetti bolognese is one of those childhood favourites which never leaves you. It is the ultimate comfort food! A hearty, meaty meal with tons of flavour that you just cannot ever get bored of – and it’s so easy to make, even better!

I like to cook mine in the slow cooker because it makes the sauce richer in flavour. It also means little mess and less washing up (and I am a very messy cook so that makes a nice change every now and then!)

With the cost of living crisis we are facing at the moment, we really should be digging out that slow cooker from the kitchen cupboard more often. I have to admit, the slow cooker was my biggest enemy as a child (casseroles and stews are a big ‘no’ from me) but it can really do some wonders for your family favourites.

Ingredients:
– 2 carrots
– 2 sticks of celery
– 2 large handfuls of mushrooms
– 2 onions (1 white and 1 red)
– 100g chorizo sausage (thinly sliced)
– 4-6 bacon rashers (thinly sliced)
– 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 2 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 500g 5% beef mince
– 1 beef stock pot
– 150ml red wine (optional)
– 400g passata
– 350g gf spaghetti

Method:

Preheat your slow cooker on high. Meanwhile, roughly chop your vegetables and add to the slow cooker along with the sliced chorizo and bacon along with 1tbsp olive oil, the bay leaves, paprika and herbs. Put the lid on and leave to cook for 20 minutes until the veg has cooked down.

Add the mince, break it up with a wooden spoon and stir.

Add the stock pot, red wine (if using), 100ml of hot water and passata. Stir until well combined and leave to cook for at least 4 hours on high (or 6-8 hours on low) with the lid on. Stir every now and then.

After 4 hours, turn down to low and take the lid off and leave to cook for a further 30 minutes (until the liquids have reduced slightly).

Cook your spaghetti in boiling salty water (as per the instructions on the packet).

Drain your pasta and serve with a good spoonful of bolognese, some grated Parmesan and some salad or garlic bread.