Being a chef, I should be writing recipes, but I'm working at a place which says you need to cook from the heart so I'll be as vague as possible.
THE WORLD'S BEST BOLOGNA SAUCE
- aprx 500g ground beef/pork mince (either or both)
- tomatoes (aprx two cans or 4-8 fresh (if fresh, peel them first (Google how to do that)))
- your favourite spices
- tomato paste
- additional flavourings (soy sauce, red wine, hot sauce, etc)
INSTRUCTIONS!
First step is to put a pan on the heat and throw in your spices. No oil! This will release the flavour of the spices and will contribute to the bulk of the final taste. The spices are done when you can smell them and that smell is how it will taste.
I recommend a mix of some of the following: star anise, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, chili, coriander seeds, bay leaves, rosemary, garlic, ginger. Experimentation is key here.
Once you can smell the spices, pour some oil in. Not too much though or the food will be oily. The oil provides a medium for the meat to brown so you don't need a lot. Let the spices infuse with the oil then throw in your mince and let it brown. This is where you can add some red wine or some soy sauce or whatever. If you used wine, let it reduce to evaporate the alcohol and to let the flavour infuse the meat. Don't forget the salt!
Next add your tomatoes and add some tomato paste just to give that extra bit of flavour. Don't add to much or the end result will be bitter. Don't be afraid though and feel free to use sugar to counter the bitterness of you used too much. Once done, let it reduce until it's a sauce consistency.
Serve on pasta with cheese or on toast with cheese.
Generally with anything, but with cheese.
The most important thing is to have fun
B-B-B-BONUS ROUND
Vichyssoise Soup - "French" potato and leek soup
I love this soup and its super easy. Also excuse how I write the recipe.
Leeks
Potatoes
Onion
Butter
Cream
Milk
Vegetable or Chicken Stock
-Fry off some thinly sliced leeks and onions with butter in a soup pot until golden
-Add your veg/chicken stock (you can use water but the stock just adds extra flavour)
-chop up your potatoes and add them to your stock and cover with a lid. Cook until potato's can be stabbed with a fork. (The smaller you cut the potatoes, the faster it will cook and also cut potatoes as evenly as possible so it cooks evenly)
-take off the heat and let it cool and then blend it all up. Make sure to season everything to taste with salt.
-when you need it, heat it up and finish with some cream and cold milk
-garnish with fresh chopped chives
I don't know the exact quantities as I just make like a bird and (dare I say) wing it
I know millions of recipes. Shoot me a message if you need one or request I post one here.