What You’ll Need
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 pound of ground pork
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. These aromatic vegetables form the base of the Ragu Bolognese and provide depth of flavor. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant. This typically takes about 5 minutes, but be sure not to let them brown.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir the meat occasionally and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. This step enhances the flavors and gives the Ragu Bolognese its hearty texture.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the whole milk and dry white wine. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes. The milk helps tenderize the meat while the wine adds a delightful richness to the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer and Season
Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the Ragu Bolognese to simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After hours of patiently waiting, your authentic Ragu Bolognese is finally ready to be served. Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Ragu Bolognese over al dente pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Your friends and family will be impressed by the rich flavors and traditional Italian taste of your homemade Ragu Bolognese. Don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds! Buon appetito!
Note: This blog post is intended to provide a general overview of how to make authentic Ragu Bolognese. Recipes may vary, and it’s always recommended to explore different variations to find the flavor profile that suits your taste.