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
  • 4 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

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.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1 onion
160g
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
510g
4 tomatoes
520g
2 garlic cloves
6g
2 cups beef broth
500g
16 oz pasta
450g
1/2 cup olives
120g
3/4 cup feta cheese
170g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g

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 Facts
Serving Size620 grams
Energy
Calories 940kcal47%
Protein
Protein 45g31%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 100g28%
Fiber 6g17%
Sugar 9g9%
Fat
Fat 44g51%
Saturated 18g57%
Cholesterol 130mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 120ug13%
Choline 110mg21%
Vitamin B1 1.20mg100%
Vitamin B2 1.07mg83%
Vitamin B3 16mg99%
Vitamin B6 0.94mg55%
Vitamin B9 320ug80%
Vitamin B12 3.55ug148%
Vitamin C 22mg24%
Vitamin E 1.60mg11%
Vitamin K 14ug12%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 310mg24%
Copper, Cu 0.59mg65%
Iron, Fe 9mg82%
Magnesium, Mg 110mg27%
Phosphorus, P 630mg50%
Potassium, K 1080mg32%
Selenium, Se 100ug179%
Sodium, Na 1270mg84%
Zinc, Zn 9mg78%
Water
Water 420g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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