Got the Hump?

February 17, 2021

Today is HUMP day;

Over the hump and cruise into the weekend!

Annette Bowen c.1988

Ever since my “Sister from another Mister” coined the phrase what seems a lifetime ago, I have always thought of Wednesday, moreover, Wednesday evening, as a time to mark & celebrate, akin to how we enjoy a Friday or Saturday – that is if you’re a working Joe, plodding the 9to5 Monday – Friday, &n living for the weekend.

This morning I read a post where very good friends had published an ad for their restaurant, announcing why not celebrate “Hump Day” with a rather splendid looking orange sponge. Suffice to say I was humbled & flattered to see I have inspired or at least passed on an idea. Beaming was I!

Today, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, for those Christians who observe it, marks the start of a period self-denial in order to best appreciate what we have, and draw closer to the Creator. Alas, I was brought up in the non-conformist way, which did not practise Lent; which I feel is a shame.

Celebrating this evening three landmarks, first day on the road to Easter, the blessing of friends and sharing, and one has survived to mid-week, thankful.

Tonight is the turn of that favourite of Italian dishes, Bolognese. Traditionally served on spaghetti – although most people I know prefer penne – I don’t think they can twist the pasta around the fork!

Here then is my foolproof Bolognese that is meager in ingredients but not in flavour.

Ingredients

  • 500g very lean mince or meat substitute
  • 2 tins chopped Tomatoes
  • 2 sticks Celery
  • 2 Carrots
  • 2 Onions
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 Stock Cube
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Pasta, or vegetable simulated pasta

Method

  1. Chop the carrots, onions, & celery roughly, crush the garlic and add them to a deep frying pan coated with spray oil (1-cal)
  2. Fry on a high heat for 7-8 minutes.
  3. Break up the mince and add it to the vegetables and continue to fry for 3-4 minutes, until all the ‘meat’ is cooked.
  4. Give a good stir!
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano and stock cube, and combine.
  6. As the tomato sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, and allow to simmer for 35 minutes.
  7. Taste and if needed, season with salt, pepper and Worcester sauce to taste.

If time allows, this dish is best prepared the day before, if unable to, try preparing in the morning and enjoy it at supper.

Now for the dietary stuff – if you’re not covering in Parmesan then this is SYN free, serves 4, & costs just under £1.50 per head.

Bolognese served with Irish Spaghetti

Bellissimo!

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