A favorite hygge kind of meal we are totally into right now is Pumpkin Bolognese Pasta Sauce! A comforting bowl of bolognese made creamy and extra nutritious with pumpkin puree.
As a part of my Christmas gift from my brother and sister-in-law, I got a really cute book called The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. This was perfect timing as one of my intentions this year was to embrace the Danish concept of Hygge or coziness during the winter months.
This book although short and quirky at times, was an interesting look into the hygge driven lives of Danes. From the right lighting in the home to the furniture to the food, every aspect of Danish life revolves around the concept. Basically by achieving that cozy hygge feeling they are able to stay happy and social even during the dreary winter months.
What did I get from this book? Dim cozy lighting is a must. Warm cozy blankets avaialble everywhere in the home are so important. Winter months are especailly great for social casual gatherings. And of course eat hygge-licious foods !
My Pumpkin Bolognese Pasta Sauce is very hygge inspired, I like to think! It has the comforts of a meaty pasta sauce with the added nutrition and creaminess of pumpkin. Served over a lovely bowl of spaghetti and enjoyed at a candle lit table, this meal makes winter seem pretty darn amazing.
As far as the sauce goes, it’s pretty easy and simple. A little oil, sauteed onions and garlic, and ground beef. Then I add the tomatoes, some winter herbs and the secret ingredient – pumpkin puree!
Let it all simmer for 20 or so minutes and the result is a flavorful meaty sauce, that is super satisfying.
I would highly recommend pairing this meal with your favorite red wine, a good grating of Parmesan cheese and a candle lit table. This has become our favorite special meal time hygge touch lately because it makes dinner seem more intimate, cozy and my toddler absolutely LOVES it!
When dinner is over, she runs around yelling “blow out the candles, blow out the candles!” And then she gets to pretend it’s her birthday and blow out the candles. A comforting bowl of pasta and some candles is all you need to embrace the concept of hygge in my opinion.
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (turkey or venison work as well)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
- 1 ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (dried works too)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon organic red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- Topping: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add carrots and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes. Raise heat to medium-high and add the ground meat. Saute, stirring frequently and breaking up large lumps. Cook until meat is no longer pink (7-10 minutes).
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add tomatoes, pumpkin and thyme. Cook the sauce until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will take about 20 minutes.
- Serve over pasta with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Sauce can be made 2 days ahead of time. It also freezes well for future meals if you have leftovers. Just make sure to cool completely and freeze without cheese. I've made this recipe with various meats including ground beef, ground venison and ground turkey! All are delicious!
Recipe inspired by Root and Revel.
Originally posted 2018-02-19 06:00:00.
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