Zen Bolognese

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 10g Zen seasoning
• 500g quality minced beef
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed (adjust to taste)
• 1 small courgette, grated (about ½ cup)
• 1 medium carrot, grated (about ½ cup)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 250g pack of your favourite spaghetti
• 1 cup beef stock (use 1 stock cube or concentrate and 150ml water)
• Grated hard cheddar or Parmesan, to serve

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the white onion and crush the garlic. Add them to a bowl along with the grated courgette and carrot. Toss the vegetables with a teaspoon of oil to lightly coat them.
2. Cook the vegetables: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable mixture (onion, garlic, courgette, and carrot) and stir-fry until the vegetables are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Once softened, remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the mince: In the same pan, add the minced beef. Brown the mince, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned and cooked through.
4. Season and combine: Sprinkle the Zen seasoning over the browned mince and return the softened vegetables to the pan. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Add beef stock: Pour in 1 cup of beef stock (1 stock cube mixed with 150ml of water). Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. The longer you allow it to simmer, the more tender the meat will become and the more the flavours will meld. Stir occasionally, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, longer if possible.
6. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling water, add a teaspoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain well.
7. Serve: Plate the spaghetti and top with the mince and vegetable mixture. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or hard cheddar.

Enjoy this hearty, flavourful dish!