Top 8: The best Bolognese sauces for a taste of the summer

"Use over potatoes, rice, dipped or spread on chunky bread for summer tapas - bring jars on picnics and use on bread instead of butter."

Pic: iStock

I’m just back from Valencia and Tarragona where rich bolognese-style sauces feature in many local dishes. My favourite in Tarragona was the sauce used as a base for steaming mussels, mixed through in a wide pan.

If making your own, don’t be afraid to substitute a couple of dessertspoons of balsamic vinegar for the wine listed. It goes well with tomatoes – fresh in summer, canned at any other time. Canned cherry tomatoes make a lighter sauce while chopped tomatoes make a delicious, traditional-style sauce. Passata is too heavy.