Spaghetti Bolognese is one of the most popular and beloved dishes in the world. It is sometimes simply called “Bolognese,” and this dish originates from Italy, specifically from Bologna, a city in northern Italy. While there are many variations of this recipe, the basic ingredients include minced meat, tomatoes, onion, spices, and wine. Spaghetti Bolognese is a delicious, hearty dish typically served with spaghetti, but it can also be served with other types of pasta like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle. Below is a recipe for spaghetti Bolognese that will satisfy all fans of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients for Bolognese:
- 500 g minced beef (you can use a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1 large red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 can (400 g) peeled tomatoes (you can also use fresh tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 glass of red wine (preferably dry)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional, for a creamier flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 g spaghetti (or any other type of pasta)
Preparation:
1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, peel them (the easiest way to do this is by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, then plunging them into cold water) and chop them into small pieces.
2. Fry the vegetables: In a large pan or deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft. Then add the chopped garlic and fry for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. This will be the base of your Bolognese sauce.
3. Add the vegetables: Once the onion is translucent, add the carrot and celery. Fry the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they soften, about 5 minutes. The vegetables will begin to caramelize slightly, which will add extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
4. Add the minced meat: Add the minced meat to the pan. Increase the heat and cook the meat, stirring occasionally, until it turns brown and loses its red color. It’s important to cook the meat evenly so that all parts are properly browned.
5. Add the wine: Once the meat is browned, pour in the wine. Stir well to dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, which will take about 5 minutes.
6. Add the tomatoes: Now it’s time to add the tomatoes. If you’re using a can of peeled tomatoes, open it and add them to the pan, then stir everything well. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, add them now. Then add the tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer.
7. Cook the sauce: Let the Bolognese sauce cook on low heat for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the richer and tastier it will be. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
8. Add milk or cream: If you want a creamier sauce, you can add milk or cream at the end. This will soften the acidity of the tomatoes and add richness to the flavor.
9. Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce is cooking, prepare the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and, if needed, reserve a bit of the cooking water.
10. Serving: When the Bolognese sauce is ready, serve it with the hot spaghetti. Place the spaghetti on a plate, top with a generous layer of Bolognese sauce, and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, you can also add some fresh basil or parsley.
Tips:
- If you want an even richer flavor, you can use a mixture of beef and pork for the minced meat.
- You can add a little red pepper or chili flakes to the Bolognese sauce if you like spicy food.
- For a more authentic taste, after the sauce is finished, let it cool for a few hours and then reheat it. This will allow the flavors to meld together better.
- You can serve spaghetti Bolognese with a fresh vegetable salad and pieces of crusty bread.
Spaghetti Bolognese is a dish that will satisfy the whole family, and its rich flavor will surely win you over with the first bite. Although it takes a bit more time to prepare, the result is more than worth the effort. Enjoy making and tasting this classic Italian dish.
