My Spaghetti Bolognese

Method

• step 1

  Put a large, deep-sided frying pan onto a medium heat, add the pancetta and dry-fry for a few minutes, until the fat has started to melt and sizzle.

• step 2

  Add the onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes more, until the onion is soft and starts to turn golden. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.

• step 3

  Tip in the mince and fry for 10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until brown all over.

• step 4

  Add the tomatoes (or passata) to the pan, along with the dried oregano and some seasoning, and cook until bubbling

• step 5

  Pour in the red wine, turn up the heat and bubble fiercely for a few minutes to cook off some of the alcohol. Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes until thickened, rich and deep in colour.

• step 6

  Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to pack instructions.

• step 7

  Pile the spaghetti onto a plate, spoon the meat sauce on top, and finish with a good grating of parmesan and a grinding of black pepper.