A thread on Reddit saw some unusual ingredients touted as having the ability to enhance the flavours of the humble spagetti bolognese sauce. Spaghetti Bolognese, is an Italian-inspired meal that is loved and regularly cooked by many people from all across the world.
The pasta dish is popular in many UK households, and it’s not surprising as the dish is relatively easy to prepare, is tasty, and does not take long to create.
Many people stick to the staple ingredients of minced meat, a tomato sauce, onions, and seasonings, but others have their own secret ingredients that give the pasta dish a unique twist. One Reddit user asked others about their “secret” ingredients they use in their spaghetti bolognese, and various people dropped one particular simple ingredient that might be unexpected.
Cocoa powder and Worcestershire sauce were thrown in early to the discussion, which saw several different camps form around the offered suggestions.
Some tame options, including carrots, bovril, and milk, were offered, but others raised eyebrows. Marmite was one of the more controversial suggestions, which is an ingredient that adamently divides opinion — people seem to either love it or hate it, which also just happens to be the product’s slogan.
The British savoury food spread was invented in 1902 and is based on a yeast extract. It is a sticky, dark brown paste with a distinctive, salty, powerful flavour. It is also well known for its potent aroma and having a distinctive taste that is not for everybody. The ingredient is popular with some chefs as it is well known for its flavouring qualities and for providing something a bit different in dishes.
Marmite adds a savory, umami-rich flavour to a variety of different dishes and enhances those that benefit from a salty depth. It can be used in stews, soups or even as a marinade. While it is best known as a toast topping, its culinary versatility extends far beyond the toaster with applications in both traditional and modern recipes.
Reddut yser ThomasEichorst put forward Marmite as an option to add into bolognese sauce, which attracted dozens of replies to the controversial taste changer.
Slipperdship was elated at the suggestions and said: “Pal you have just changed me f***ing life.”
Guardofdonner agreed: “The pinnacle here.”
Uncomfortabledream offered: “I see you got there before me. Yes to a spoonful of marmite in any dish that’s meaty, rich, and deep.”
One user who is not a fan of marmite was surprised when they added the spread to their spag bol and it hit the mark.
Finishhimlarry said: “So surprised that this actually worked for me. Just don’t add all of these recommendations into the same soup lol. Hate Marmite but it’s use as an umami ingredient is awesome.”
Another poster agreed with using marmite saying it was a game changer when combined with substituting beef for lamb in a spagetti bolognese.