Back to school is a busy time and this can often result in poor diets or ready-made convenience meals that most likely don't stack up Nutritionally. Needless to say, we're all still looking for a tasty meal that is quick, easy and can even be prepared ahead. Today I am going to show you how to turn 1 base sauce into the 3 delicious meals that are nutritious and can be prepared ahead of time.

The base sauce is a meat sauce or tomato based sauce known as a meat ragu in Italy. With this sauce there are no specific measurements. it's a little bit what you like and what you have in the kitchen at the time. A little like the way coddle was a fridge clearer the day before you did the shopping years ago. ( MMMMM we should do a recipe for coddle soon, boiled sausages optional) I'm not going to give you specific amounts here because you might choose to make a lot and you might choose to make a little, so here goes 
 
Ingredients

• Diced up carrot, onion and celery equal quantities is fine (approx. 2-3 whole/stalks of each. If you have peppers use them aswell or even parsnips or swede)
• Minced Garlic (as much as you like, don't worry you can never put too much in)
• Mince Beef (Pork also works) 500-750g is fine
• Bay leafs and thyme*
• Tomato Passata - approx 4 tins 3 works and so does 5
• Tomato Puree (1 TBSP will suffice or 2 won't hurt it)**
• Good stock (Knorr rich beef stock cubes are great and easy here, but homemade is great too if you have the patience)
• Salt Pepper & Honey to taste***
• Approx. 2-300ml of water
• 2 TBSP of Olive oil and if you want to be extra bold throw in a knob of butter mmmMMMMMM
• A splash of red wine if you have it (Me I prefer to just drink it J)

1. In a large pot heat the oil and butter if using on high and brown off the beef and I mean brown it until the meat starts to pop but not burn. It takes approx. 10-14 mins in a large heavy base pan but delivers on the flavor - Of this I promise.
2. Next add the diced Carrot, Onion and Celery and peppers or any other diced veg your using.
3. Saute off until slightly coloured.
4. Now add the garlic and tomato puree and cook out for approx. 2 mins still on a high heat.
5. Deglaze with the wine E.G. lash the wine in and stir so that any of the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan dissolve into the wine.
6. Now add all of the other ingredients except the seasoning, stir and cook for approx. 30mins on medium heat.
7. Now seasoning, have a taste and add little by little until your happy.