Introduction
Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of a homemade pasta dish featuring succulent pork and beef, combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also delivers a wholesome experience that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese completes this delightful meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 free-range pork sausages
– Olive oil
– 500g lean beef mince
– 2 onions
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 stick of celery
– 1 large carrot
– 1 courgette
– 2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes
– 1 heaped teaspoon tomato purée
– 2 tablespoons thick balsamic vinegar
– 450g dried spaghetti
– Parmesan cheese, to serve
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes for preparation.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Enjoy this vibrant dish that captures the essence of a comforting Italian classic, enhancing your dining experience with each savory bite.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sausage and Beef
Place a large shallow casserole pan on a medium-high heat. Squeeze the sausage meat out of the skins.
Add Meat to the Pan
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, along with the beef mince and sausage meat. Break everything up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
Prepare and Add Vegetables
Peel the onions and garlic, trim the carrot, celery, and courgette. Coarsely grate all the vegetables using a box grater, finely grate the garlic, and stir them into the pan.
Cook the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and sweet, stirring occasionally.
Add Balsamic Vinegar and Tomatoes
Add the balsamic vinegar and the tinned tomatoes. Half-fill each tin with water, swirl it around to pick up all the last bits of tomato, and pour into the pan.
Add Tomato Purée and Season
Stir in the tomato purée and a pinch of black pepper. Mash everything up with your spoon, reduce the heat to low, and leave to cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until thick, glossy, and reduced.
Cook the Spaghetti
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions, then drain, reserving a mugful of starchy cooking water.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the pasta to the sauce, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce stick, and mix well over the heat.
Serve
Use tongs to divide between your bowls, then serve with a good grating of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Choosing Sausages
Select high-quality free-range pork sausages for better flavor.
Vegetable Freshness
Ensure all vegetables are fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Balsamic Vinegar
Using thick balsamic vinegar adds depth to the sauce; adjust the amount to your taste.
Cooking Time
The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor becomes; check for thickness toward the end.
Saving Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water is crucial for achieving the right sauce consistency; don’t skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the dish with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Preparing sausage meat
Squeeze the sausage meat out of the skins into the pan for even cooking and flavor distribution.
Sautéing ingredients
Cook the beef and sausage over medium-high heat to brown the meat, which enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Grating vegetables
Coarsely grate onions, garlic, carrot, celery, and courgette for quicker cooking and better incorporation into the sauce.
Slow cooking
Reduce heat and allow the mixture to cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are soft to develop sweetness and depth of flavor.
Building the sauce
Add balsamic vinegar and tinned tomatoes, then use the tomato tins to capture and include every last bit of tomato flavor.
Simmering
Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, allowing flavors to meld.
Cooking spaghetti
Boil pasta in salted water according to the package instructions for perfect al dente texture.
Combining pasta and sauce
Mix cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding reserved starchy pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the noodles.
Serving
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
FAQ
Can I use other types of sausages?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of sausages to suit your taste.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with red wine vinegar or a mix of vinegar and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a healthy alternative that can add a nice nutty flavor.
Conclusion
The combination of pork sausages and lean beef mince creates a rich and flavorful base for a hearty pasta dish. Combined with fresh vegetables and a tangy tomato sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal topped with Parmesan cheese.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pasta Primavera
Mix seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a fresh and light pasta dish.
Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use the lean beef mince with a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas, stir-fried in soy sauce and garlic for an Asian-inspired meal.
Sausage and Lentil Stew
Combine pork sausages with hearty lentils, diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery for a warming stew perfect for colder days.
Stuffed Courgettes
Scoop out courgettes and fill them with a mixture of beef mince, tomatoes, and herbs, then bake until tender and golden.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A simple dish using spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, topped with freshly grated Parmesan for a quick and delicious meal.
Vegetable Soup
Utilize any leftover vegetables combined with broth and spices for a healthy and comforting soup. Perfect with a crusty bread side.
