Spaghetti No Bolognaise

I was tempted to go shopping but as we’re living on a very tight budget at the moment whilst we pay off our credit card (don’t ask!) I thought; lets be inventive and use what we have remaining in the cupboards! Now, I have a system for food - kept in the kitchen cupboards are what we buy at our fortnightly shop. In the garage are a couple of cupboards, which act as my storeroom, these are filled with food with a long shelf life that have been on offer and/or we use regularly. For instance tinned tomatoes, Nori Tofu, pasta etc . . . . .

After looking in the cupboard to see what I had to work with it was fairly easy to come up with an idea. Spaghetti no bolognaise.

Sauce ingredients                                                 Bolognaise ingredients

(Serves 4)                                                                 (Serves 2)

Olive oil                                                                     450g reconstituted soya mince

1 onion                                                                      1 onion 

2 cloves garlic - crushed                                          ½ portion tomato sauce

1-2 tin tomatoes (you can puree if desired)       

4 tsp mixed herbs

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder

 ½ tsp sugar

½ tsp salt (optional)

 ½ tsp chilli flakes

½ glass red wine

2 tbsp tomato puree

Method

Follow the packet instructions to make the soya mince, but also add ½ tsp of dried cumin, coriander, paprika and garlic/onion powder. Too make the sauce, fry the onions in the oil until translucent and add the crushed garlic, fry for 2 more minutes. Add the tomatoes/passata and stir. Add the paprika, mixed herbs, sugar, salt, red wine vinegar, red wine and chilli flakes and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer until the sauce has reduced and is a little thicker. Add the tomato puree and keep on a simmer until needed. Sauce should become really glossy and thick.

Meanwhile fry the onion in a little olive oil and when the onion is soft, around 5 minutes add the soya mince and stir to combine. Add the sauce and stir, keep on a low simmer for 5-10 minutes, to cook through. Serve with spaghetti or pasta of your choice.