QUICK HELP NEEDED - how do I change spag bol from ordinary to delicious?!

[DANCESwithDumbledore]

Am just gently frying onions and garlic now!

I always add wine and some bouillon stock.

oh yes, wine is good. Don't have bouillon.

Bayleaf or mixed herbs?

Ainsley Harriot's recipe for shepherd's pie includes a good dash of soy sauce and likewise of brown sauce - and it does liven it up. Can't see why it wouldn't work with spag bol too.

worcestershire sauce, dash of red wine and a secret squirt of ketchup

don't scoff but a chunk of very good plain choclate really adds gorgeous richness. As does a splash of red wine.

Ok, am putting in worcestershire, bit of wine and squirt of ketchup, now do I go with herbs or not?!

marmite teaspoon of stirred in lovely!!!!!!!!!!11

Dash of tabasco sauce. Always does the trick for me.

This is a MARMITE FREE ZONE, I repeat a MARMITE FREE ZONE

stand back soldier...

this is a MFZ, MFZ.

definitely herbs as well, basil & thyme though instead of oregano, which I think is really strong tasting.

dark choc i tell you!

Always herbs! Definitely oregano, basil if you have it - otherwise mixed herbs good.

If you haven't got chocolate, add a half teasooon of sugar. It makes it taste really deep, but not sweet.

And the best thing is to cook it for as long as you can.

And I hope you've got freshly grated parmesan?!

Actually FMV, I can imagine that would really add substance to spag bol. Will try next time.

I put in basil, mixed herbs and oregano, and bit of worcestershire as well. Also do both tinned tomatoes and a good dollop of tomato puree.

oregano and basil

FMV - are you thinking you are on the biscuit thread too?! Herbs I have are thyme, oregano or mixed or bayleaf, that's it.

erm no...but you can possibly tell chocolate plays a significant role in my life

Parmesan also known as dessicated sick in this house...sorry! Dh and I don't like it

and dark choc is the key to a fabulous chilli as well!

Well it is dessicated sick if you buy it dry - but if you buy it fresh it doesn't have that horrible smell at all!

RIGHT 'tis done. Simmering away. Added everything suggested except choc, bouillon and marmite as don't have any of those. Thanks very much. Dh says he will dispense verdict later as it is for his tea!

Ok...I'm italian and all those marmite (actually i like the stuff, but not on my spaghetti) suggestions are just nuts...

Anyway, secret is really in the beginning...gently fry finely chopped carrots and celery with your finely chopped onions and whole garlics AND FRESH ROSEMARY AND THYME in extra virgin olive oil to make the base for your sauce. Wine, or dry vermouth is good. A bay leaf (don't chop) is good and sometimes a clove is added. And sometimes a touch of chili pepper. Don't overdo the oregano...common non-italian mistake to make.

Oh Sofia, if you'd only been here a while ago...

Actually it smells delicious but I will be making a note of your recipe too!