Lamb and Mint Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 500g ground lamb
• 400g spaghetti
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Mince the garlic.
3. Chop the fresh mint leaves.
4. Measure out the ground lamb, spaghetti, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth.

Step 2: Cook the Lamb

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Once browned, remove the lamb from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet.
3. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Return the cooked lamb to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or vegetable broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2. Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Once the sauce has finished simmering, stir in the chopped fresh mint leaves.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce.
4. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce until it is well coated.
5. Serve the Lamb and Mint Spaghetti Bolognese hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

If you want to freeze the Lamb and Mint Spaghetti Bolognese for later use, here are some tips:

1. Cool Down: Let the spaghetti bolognese cool down to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container.
2. Portion: Divide the cooled spaghetti bolognese into individual or family-sized portions. This makes it easier to defrost and reheat only what you need.
3. Freezer-safe Containers: Transfer the portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and Date: Label each container or bag with the contents and the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of what’s in your freezer and ensures you use the spaghetti bolognese within a reasonable time frame.
5. Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer, making sure they are lying flat to save space. Allow enough space between containers for proper air circulation.
6. Storage Time: Lamb and Mint Spaghetti Bolognese can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. After this time, it may start to lose quality.
7. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen spaghetti bolognese, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, reheat it in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Following these steps will help ensure that your Lamb and Mint Spaghetti Bolognese freezes well and maintains its flavor and texture when reheated.