Bolognese Recipe is a classic Italian dish known for its rich and hearty flavor. Originating from the city of Bologna, this recipe has been passed down through generations, each family adding their own twist to make it unique. Traditionally, Bolognese sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, simmered low and slow with tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a splash of wine. The end result is a thick, meaty sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving comfort food, this Bolognese Recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Follow along for step-by-step instructions on how to recreate this Italian classic in your own kitchen.
What is Bolognese?
Bolognese is a classic Italian meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. It typically consists of ground beef or pork simmered with tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a variety of herbs and spices. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce that is often served over pasta like spaghetti or tagliatelle. Bolognese is a versatile and hearty sauce that is loved by many for its comforting and delicious taste.
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Video of Bolognese
| – Prep Time | 20 minutes of hands-on prep |
| – Cook Time | 2 hours simmering on the stove |
| – Total Time | 2 hours and 20 minutes |
| – Servings | 6-8 servings |
Bolognese is a rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce that has a long and storied history. Originating in the city of Bologna, this dish has been enjoyed for centuries and is a staple in Italian cuisine. Its popularity has spread worldwide, with many people incorporating it into their own cooking repertoire. The Bolognese Recipe is a classic that has been passed down through generations, with slight variations depending on the region. The sauce is typically made with a mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and a variety of herbs and spices. Its slow simmering process allows the flavors to blend together, creating a delicious and comforting dish that is beloved by many. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on its own, Bolognese is a timeless favorite that continues to be cherished by food lovers everywhere.
Bolognese Ingredients
For the perfect Bolognese recipe, start with the freshest ingredients possible. Begin with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Add in fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for depth of flavor. Don’t forget the aromatic garlic and herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the taste. And of course, the star of the show – ripe tomatoes, either canned or fresh, to bring a burst of freshness to the dish. This variety of ingredients ensures a Bolognese sauce that is both hearty and delicious.
- Olive oil: Used for saut ing the aromatics.
- Onion: Finely chopped for adding flavor to the sauce.
- Carrot: Also finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the Bolognese.
- Celery: Finely chopped to provide a savory undertone to the sauce.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef is used as the primary protein in the Bolognese.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Red wine: Used to deglaze the pan and add complexity to the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes provide the base for the sauce.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and umami flavor to the Bolognese.
- Salt and pepper: To season the sauce to taste.
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How to Make Bolognese
To prepare a delicious Bolognese recipe, start by finely chopping onions, carrots, and celery for the soffritto base. Brown ground beef and pork in a large pot, then add the soffritto and cook until softened. Deglaze with red wine, add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for hours to develop rich flavors.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the paste.
- Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Remove bay leaves from the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Bolognese
For those looking to elevate their pasta game, mastering a Bolognese sauce is a must. Start by using a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal for depth of flavor. Saute onions, carrots, and celery to create a flavorful base, then add in tomato paste, wine, and milk for richness. Let the sauce simmer low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper, and serve over al dente pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Use a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal for a more complex and rich flavor profile.
- Cook your soffritto (onions, carrots, and celery) slowly and low to develop a deep, caramelized flavor base.
- Brown your meat in batches to ensure even browning and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine after browning the meat to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Use whole milk instead of cream to add richness without overpowering the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Stir in a small amount of tomato paste towards the end of cooking to boost the tomato flavor and add depth.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Directions for Making Bolognese
To make a delicious Bolognese sauce, start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. Next, add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a splash of red wine. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve over cooked pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the skillet and saut until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried herbs (such as oregano and basil), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for at least 1 hour (but preferably 2-3 hours), stirring occasionally.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts of Bolognese
Our delicious Bolognese Recipe is packed with essential nutrients and flavors. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 22 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. With a perfect balance of macronutrients, this hearty and flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and provide you with the energy you need.
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Conclusion on Bolognese Recipe
In conclusion, this classic Bolognese recipe is a fantastic choice for a comforting and delicious meal. Its rich and savory flavors are sure to please the whole family and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or even roasted vegetables, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy.
Not only is Bolognese a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Packed with protein from the ground meat, vitamins and minerals from the veggies, and heart-healthy fats from the olive oil, this dish is a well-rounded option for a balanced meal.
So next time you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dinner option, give this Bolognese recipe a try. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.