This is a dish my girlfriend made for me recently, and it was so amazing I have been thinking of nothing since. I have no idea if this is actually a ‘Spanish dish’, but tastes really, really good.

We all know that bolognese is a classic Italian dish. However, for our anniversary, my girlfriend decided to find a Spanish twist on this classic. Somewhere on the internet, she found this: Spanish Bolognese with eggs. Although it might sound a little odd, it is a combination that truly works together. Pair with fresh, crusty bread, and you have a sexy meal for two.

But what makes this bolognese different from the traditional? For start, this sauce is made with some more traditionally Spanish ingredients, such as paprika and red pepper. It’s also a much thicker sauce than normal bolognese. Unlike the traditional, you don’t serve this with pasta, but with fried eggs and bread.

Although my girlfriend made this for our anniversary, it makes a great weeknight meal too. Better yet, it can all be made in one pan.

Ready for a Spanish twist on the classic? Try this recipe today!

Spanish bolognese recipe

Servings: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 250g mixed beef and pork mice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, diced
• 1 tin of tomatoes (or passata)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• Seasoning
• 2 eggs
• Crusty bread (to serve)
• Parsley (to garnish)

How to make Spanish bolognese

1. Begin by finely chopping the onion and the pepper. Put 1tbsp of oil in a large frying pan/skillet and put on a medium heat. Put the chopped onion and pepper in and cook for 10 minutes, or until they become translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Then, add the mince and cook on a medium heat until it starts to brown. Add the spices, mix and cook for one minute.
3. Once the meat has browned, pour in the tin of tomatoes (or passata). Add the tomato purée, sugar, vinegar and the salt and pepper.
4. Turn the heat down to low and cook the bolognese for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and glossy.
5. Once the bolognese is cooked, you can cook the eggs in 2 ways. You can either make 2 holes in the bolognese and cook them directly in the sauce, or you can fry them seperately.
6. Once the eggs are cooked, garnish with parsley and more seasoning.
7. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.

Tips: if you want to make this dish a bit more Spanish, why not add some chopped chorizo?

If you want to simplify this recipe, a pre-made bolognese sauce works well. Use this instead of the tin of chopped tomatoes.

Love Spanish flavours? Try my take on the classic paella: Cod and Chorizo Paella! Or, why not learm more about Spanish cuisine and read about our trip to Granada!

Or, if you prefer classic Italian flavours, take a look at this Caramelised Onion Focaccia.