What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 cup full-bodied red wine
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 bay leaf
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
Step 2: Add the Meat
Once the vegetables are ready, add the ground beef and pork into the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour the red wine into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Allow the wine to simmer, reducing it by half.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes
Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for at least 2 hours, or until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add the Milk
Once the sauce has simmered for a while, pour in the milk. The milk helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a creamy richness to the ragu. Stir well and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your traditional Bolognese ragu is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over al dente pasta of your choice, such as tagliatelle or fettuccine. Don’t forget to top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can master the art of making traditional Bolognese ragu. The slow cooking process and the combination of high-quality ingredients will result in a sauce that is rich, flavorful, and well-balanced. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and let your taste buds delight in the deliciousness of this classic Italian dish.