Light summer bolognese

Discover the perfect Light Summer Bolognese recipe! This refreshing dish features ground beef, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a zesty hint of lemon. Tossed with pasta, olives, and feta cheese, it's a delightful and easy meal for warm weather. Quick, delicious, and perfect for dinner or lunch!

23 Mar 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
4 tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
2 cups beef broth
16 oz pasta
1/2 cup olives
3/4 cup feta cheese
2 tbsp lemon zest
Light summer bolognese

Light Summer Bolognese is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. This version uses fresh tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a burst of summer flavors, paired with the richness of ground beef and the zestiness of lemon. Perfect for a warm evening, this dish is both hearty and light.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the tomatoes.
- Slice the olives.
- Crumble the feta cheese.
- Zest the lemon.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Make the Bolognese Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until they start breaking down.
- Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Add the sliced olives and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Combine and Finish:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bolognese sauce and gently toss to combine.
- Stir in the lemon zest, giving the dish a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Sprinkle each serving generously with crumbled feta cheese.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Optionally, garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a light, summery twist on a classic bolognese!

Tips:

- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.

- Cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming too mushy when mixed with the sauce.

- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the beef and onions.

- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the dish.

- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

This Light Summer Bolognese is a delightful dish that brings together the best of summer ingredients and comforting pasta. It's easy to make and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this meal with a side salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete dining experience.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 940kcal
Protein 45g
Carbohydrates 100g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 9g
Fat 44g

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