Spaghetti with Bacon & Spiced Mince Sauce

A rich, hearty and flavour-packed mince sauce slow cooked with bacon, herbs and spices, then served over warm spaghetti with olives and parmesan cheese. Perfect for family meals and comforting weekend lunches.

Ingredients

For the Mince

• 1.5 kg mince (chicken, beef, or mutton)

• 300 g bacon, cut into small pieces

Ground Paste

• 15 dried Bedgi chillies or Kashmiri chillies

• 1 tbsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp peppercorns

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• 20 g garlic cloves

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Grind all the above ingredients to a smooth paste using just enough water.

For the Sauce

• 80 g celery, finely chopped (leaves discarded)

• 400 g carrots, finely chopped

• 200 g onions, finely chopped

• 400 g tomatoes, pureed

• 5 green chillies, finely chopped

• 20 g fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• Salt, to taste

• Olive oil, as required

To Serve

• Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions

• Black or green olives, for garnish

• Parmesan cheese, grated

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Heat a little olive oil in a large pan.

2. Add the bacon pieces and sauté until lightly crisp.

3. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions.

2. Sauté until lightly browned.

3. Add the celery and carrots.

4. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Cook the Mince

1. Add the mince to the pan.

2. Sauté for about 2 minutes, breaking up any lumps with a spoon.

3. Add the prepared ground paste.

4. Mix thoroughly so the mince is evenly coated with the masala.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the tomato puree and mix well.

2. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.

3. Add the sautéed bacon, dried oregano, fresh basil leaves, and chopped green chillies.

4. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Add salt according to taste.

2. Pour in just enough water to achieve a thick sauce consistency.

3. Cover and cook on low to medium heat until the mince is tender and the flavours have blended beautifully.

4. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if required.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. Drain and keep warm.

Step 7: Serve

1. Arrange the cooked spaghetti on a serving platter or individual plates.

2. Spoon the hot bacon and spiced mince sauce generously over the spaghetti.

3. Garnish with a few olives.

4. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

A comforting pasta dish packed with rich flavours from smoky bacon, aromatic herbs, and a beautifully spiced mince sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or a hungry family.