Easy Low FODMAP Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese is the ultimate comfort food for me. It is uncomplicated and delicious. However, if you struggle with digestive issues and can't tolerate garlic and onion (hello fructans), well then, spaghetti quickly becomes a "no go". But wait....what if you don't have to give it up? Well, then you can have the best of both worlds, no bloat and a bowl full of delicious spaghetti. 

This LOW FODMAP SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE is just that. Plus, NO complicated ingredients or online purchases necessary. My favorite pasta is hands down Jovial spaghetti, the texture and the taste is perfection! My other highly recommended staple is Organico Bello Imported Italian Passata (strained tomatoes). The sauce is smooth and creamy and only contains tomatoes and salt. It's also an excellent source of potassium which I find many of my patients are NOT getting enough of. If you want to use low FODMAP garlic infused olive oil you can, but honestly I NEVER use it. I prefer to stick with a quality extra virgin olive oil with robust flavor to really make this dish shine. If you toss your noodles in the olive oil before serving it adds even more flavor and aroma. Plus, you get all those healthy, gut friendly polyphenols to boost! I usually add a splash of red wine to my bolognese sauce, but you don't have to. Just add a little bit of balsamic vinegar instead (don't use the super sweet concentrated kind).

If you don't have any issues with FODMAPs of course you can feel free to add garlic and onions to this recipe along with the dried herbs. Really all you need is 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 chopped yellow onion. Many people think they need to go overboard with these two ingredients, but often more is not always better, AND someone who is sensitive to FODMAPs may still be able to tolerate the small amount of fructans per serving if you take it easy. 

Easy Low FODMAP Spaghetti Bolognese
INGREDIENTS
1 package Jovial gluten-free spaghetti (or your favorite alternative)
1 tablespoon robust extra virgin olive oil (plus more to toss with your noodles)
1lb grass-fed ground beef (1 prefer 80-85% lean for bolognese because it provides additional flavor)
1 teaspoon each dried oregano, marjoram, and thyme
1 bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 jar Organico Bello Imported Italian Passata
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or a splash of red wine)
1 tablespoon sugar
Optional: chili flakes, fresh basil, and/or grated pecorino cheese

DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook pasta per package instructions. Rinse and toss in extra virgin olive oil before serving if desired. 

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the olive oil and evenly cast the bottom of the pan. Add the grass-fed ground beef, and sauté for 2 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula. Add in the desired herbs and bay leaf, and continue to sauté until cooked through and aromatic. Add salt and fresh ground pepper. 

Pour in the entire jar or strained tomatoes, and stir well to combine. then add the balsamic vinegar (or splash of red wine) and sugar. Stir and allow to simmer 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and add a pinch of chili flakes if desired. 

Serve over pasta and top with freshly chopped basil and pecorino cheese.