Base Sauce For Three Recipes (Bolognese, Moussaka & Chilli)

1. 1

   Heat butter on medium-low in a large pot (I use a stock pot). Add onions, garlic & bay leaves, saute until garlic turns golden, ca. 3 minutes. Add carrots and mushrooms, saute until 'mushroom liquid' begins to evaporate, ca. 8 minutes. Add ground beef, a little salt and pepper, and stir to break up clumps until beef is completely browned. Add canned tomatoes with liquid and 1 cup water. Stir well, raise heat to medium-high, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes. Stirring occasionally, add water as needed. After half an hour, break up the now softened tomatoes. Discard bay leaves.

2. 2

   While the sauce simmers, you can prepare herbs, Bechamel & cheese for lasagna, or spices, roasted eggplant & custard for Moussaka, or spice mix, beans and peppers for chilli.

3. 3

   This 'base sauce' is enough for either chilli, lasagna or moussaka for 6 people. However I like to double the amount, divide into 3 batches and save to make individual dishes for 4 - 5 people.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.