A high-energy recipe for guys!

Game time, and need some energy? This is the sauce to serve with spaghetti or the pasta of your choice, complimented with a salad, crusty bread and a nice red wine. It is also low-sodium. This is a sure-fire family favourite. This dish is easy to prepare, uses ingredients commonly found around the house, is inexpensive, and the sauce keeps well in the fridge.

Ingredients

• Start three to four hours before serving;
• This recipe will generously serve four hungry people;
• For a nice variation, try a blend of half-and-half lean ground beef, and lean ground pork;
• Fresh pasta, crusty bread and a dry red wine complement this recipe best.

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	15 mL (1 tbs)
Medium-size onion, finely chopped	1
Small garlic cloves, finely chopped	3
Lean ground beef	450 to 500 grams
Diced tomatoes	1 large can (about 800 mL)
Tomato paste	1 small can
Black pepper	1.25 mL (¼ tsp)
Paprika	1.25 mL (¼ tsp)
Cayenne (Red) Pepper	Small dash
Tabasco sauce	2.5 mL (½ tsp)
Sugar	5 mL (1 tsp)
Worcestershire sauce	Generous dash
Balsamic vinegar	5 mL (1 tsp)
Red wine or port	50 to 60 mL
Italian spice mix: rosemary; marjoram; oregano; basil; summer savory; thyme; tarragon and .two or three bay leaves	Dashes of each to taste

Preparation

1. Sauté onions and garlic in the olive oil in a large saucepan on high heat until the onions are transparent, stirring regularly;
2. Add the ground beef, and brown the beef, stirring regularly until the beef is broken up;
3. Reduce heat to medium;
4. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring until well-mixed;
5. Add the seasonings, stirring frequently;
6. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Stir regularly.