Just because you’re on a low-carb diet doesn’t mean you have to say bye-bye to your favourite pasta dishes! This healthier version of Spaghetti Bolognaise is sure to lift your spirits and satisfy any pasta cravings this winter. This innovative Beer & Beef Bolognaise spaghetti dish by Chef Peter Ayub uses courgette spaghetti to offer low-carb warriors a healthy and delicious alternative that can be enjoyed any night of the week.

Beer & Beef Bolognaise

Serves: 6

Bolognaise Ingredients

¼ cup Canola oil
2 whole star anise
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 bay leaves
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1.5 kg lean beef mince
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 cups finely diced onion
2 cups finely diced carrots
¼ cup tomato paste
1 ½ cups Windhoek Light Beer
2 x 400 g tins whole peeled tomatoes, blended
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Bolognaise method and preparation

1. Place the oil, star anise, bay leaves and oregano in a large, heavy-based saucepan and heat to infuse the flavours.
2. Season the beef mince with the salt and pepper.
3. Add the mince to the saucepan and brown.
4. Add the garlic, onions and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add the Windhoek Light and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Add the blended tinned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and lemon juice.
8. Simmer for 40 to 50 minutes over a low heat.
9. Remove the star anise and bay leaves before serving
10. Spoon Bolognaise generously over the Courgette Spaghetti

Courgette Spaghetti Ingredients

2 medium sized courgette per person
1 teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil

Courgette Spaghetti Method and Preparation

1. Using a vegetable peeler – peel off ribbon-like strips which you then cut with a sharp knife into “spaghetti-like noodles”.
2. When you get to the seeds, turn the courgette as the seeds are too moist and will not hold the spaghetti shape.
3. Just before serving – lightly fry in a pan with the olive oil and salt.
4. You want the courgette spaghetti to be firm, not soft – so be careful not to over cook.

Chef’s Tip: This is a great recipe if you are trying to keep your carb intake low. You can also use cabbage for your Spaghetti-like noodles by shredding the cabbage so you get long thin strips.

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While you’re in the kitchen why not also impress with your guests with this Foolproof Recipe For Twice Baked Soufflé?  

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image source: Domesticate Me.