What is Bolognese Sauce?
Bolognese sauce, also known as ragu alla bolognese, is a meat-based sauce that typically includes ingredients such as ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices. This sauce is known for its rich and meaty flavor, making it perfect for pairing with pasta dishes like spaghetti or tagliatelle.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Bolognese sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 3 ounces of pancetta, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sauté the Pancetta and Vegetables
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the pancetta over medium heat until it starts to brown and crisp. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef to the other side. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Make sure to stir the meat and vegetables together, combining them evenly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Incorporate Milk and Red Wine
After the sauce has simmered for an hour, add the milk and red wine. The milk helps to mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes while the red wine enhances the flavor profile. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Bolognese sauce is now ready to be served! Choose your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it in the Bolognese sauce until well coated. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Now that you have mastered the art of making Bolognese sauce, you can impress your loved ones with this delicious Italian dish. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make the recipe your own. Bon appétit!