With the changing of seasons, comfort food is exactly what is needed. Not just that, but comfort food that is delicious, nutritious and easy to prepare. A favourite in our house has got to be beef bolognese. Let’s change it up with adding some mushrooms to make it even more filling with goodness.

The addition of mushrooms make this bolognese taste even meatier, with alot less fat and sodium than a full meat version. A stunning dish, every night of the week

Ingredients:(serves2)

30ml olive oil 1onion,peeled&chopped

1 carrot, peeled & chopped

2cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 sprigs thyme, woody stalks removed 250g beefmince 250g button mushrooms, sliced

1 can chopped tomatoes

1 cup beef stock 5ml(1teaspoon)sugar 5ml(1teaspoon)smoked paprika salt & pepper to taste freshly cooked pasta(like spaghetti),to serve fresh basil leaves, for serving(optional)grated parmesan cheese, for serving(optional)

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a medium pot, then add the onion & carrot. Fry over medium-high heat until soft but not brown yet. Add the garlic and fry for another minute.
2. Add the mince and mushrooms and fry,breakinguplumpswithyourwoodenspoon.Fryuntilthemixturestartstocatchonthebottom-about 10-15 minutes, then add the tomatoes, stock, sugar, paprika and stir well. Season with salt & pepper ,then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 30minutes(or up to 2hours),stirring now and then.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve hot over freshly cooked pasta, scattered with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.