Bolognese sauce, also known as ragΓΉ alla bolognese, is a classic Italian meat sauce originating from the city of Bologna. It’s a rich and savory sauce typically served with pasta. Here’s a basic recipe for making Bolognese sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
- 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Cooked pasta, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned.
- If using red wine, pour it into the pot and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1-2 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
This Bolognese sauce is versatile and can be used with various pasta shapes like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Enjoy!
