Today marks the inaugural celebration of National Spaghetti Bolognese Day! As 22 May dawns, kitchens across the UK are brimming with the tantalising aromas of rich, savoury Bolognese sauce simmering to perfection.
This day is dedicated to honouring a dish that has become a beloved staple in British homes, a dish that brings families together and transforms ordinary meals into delightful feasts.
The History of Spaghetti Bolognese
Though Spaghetti Bolognese has its roots in Italy, it has been wholeheartedly embraced by the British public. Originating from the city of Bologna, the traditional “ragù alla Bolognese” is a meat-based sauce that has evolved over time. In the UK, this dish has taken on a unique character, often featuring minced beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs. The combination of these ingredients, served over al dente spaghetti, creates a comforting and hearty meal that is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why We Love Spaghetti Bolognese
There are countless reasons why Spaghetti Bolognese holds a special place in our hearts:
Comfort Food at Its Best: The rich, meaty sauce paired with tender spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out.
Family Favourite: Spaghetti Bolognese is often a go-to for family dinners. It’s easy to prepare in large quantities, making it perfect for feeding hungry children and adults alike.
Customisable: Everyone has their own twist on Spaghetti Bolognese. Whether you prefer adding a splash of red wine, a hint of chilli, or a dash of cream, this dish can be tailored to suit individual tastes.
Affordable and Accessible: The ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it an accessible dish for people from all walks of life.
How to Celebrate National Spaghetti Bolognese Day
There are myriad ways to join in the celebrations today:
Cook and Share: Prepare a big pot of Spaghetti Bolognese and invite friends and family over for a cosy dinner. Share your favourite recipe or try a new one together.
Recipe Exchange: Swap recipes with your neighbours, family members or colleagues. Discover the diverse variations of this classic dish and perhaps find a new favourite ingredient or technique.
Culinary Challenge: Host a Spaghetti Bolognese cook-off! Challenge your friends to create their best version of the dish and enjoy a tasting session to determine the ultimate Bolognese champion.
Community Feast: Organise a community gathering or potluck where everyone brings their version of Spaghetti Bolognese. Celebrate the unity and diversity within your community through the shared love of this delightful dish.
A Classic Recipe to Try
If you’re looking to celebrate National Spaghetti Bolognese Day with a tried-and-true recipe, here’s a classic version to get you started:
Ingredients:
500g minced beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
400g tin of chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stick, finely diced
150ml beef stock
1 glass of red wine (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
400g spaghetti
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to serve
Method:
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft.
Add the minced beef and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and red wine if using.
Add the dried oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Serve the sauce over the spaghetti and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion: A New Favourite Day
National Spaghetti Bolognese Day is more than just an excuse to enjoy a delicious meal; it’s a celebration of a dish that embodies comfort, family, and tradition. So, gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and let’s make this day a cherished annual event filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, mouth-watering Spaghetti Bolognese. Happy cooking!
The UKs favourite Italian food brand, Filippo Berio, has undertaken a survey of spaghetti bolognese fans and has created a top ten list of special ingredients that we Brits love to add to our spag bol:-
Worcester sauce (19%)
Chilli (15%)
Ketchup (14%)
Carrots (14%)
Gravy (7%)
Sweetcorn (6%)
Balsamic (6%)
Soy (6%)
Sugar (6%)
Cream (6%)
Voted one of the UKs top dishes, 1 in 5 of us reporting eating spaghetti bolognese at least once every month, with over 1 in 10 (14%) enjoying it weekly. And of the 2,000 people surveyed no one had gone for longer than 12 months without a bowl of spag bol.
We'd like to thank Fillippo Berio for sharing the results of their survey with us and our readers.
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