Bolognese pasta

Pasta alla Bolognese - A Classic Recipe with a Story

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Pasta alla Bolognese is a true feast for the senses, a delicious combination of meat, vegetables, and spices that takes us back to the lavish meals of yesteryear. This iconic recipe will not only warm your heart but also delight you with its rich flavors. Get ready to discover the secret to a perfect Bolognese sauce, with techniques and tips that will transform your cooking into an art!

Essential Ingredients

- 500 g ground beef (choose fresh, high-quality meat)
- 1 carrot (about 100 g, finely chopped)
- 1 piece of celery (about 100 g, finely chopped)
- 1 large onion (about 150 g, finely chopped)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, for an intense flavor)
- 200 ml wine (preferably red, for a richer taste)
- 1 small can of tomato pulp (approx. 400 g, ideally Cirio for quality)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti or tagliatelle are excellent options)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the vegetables
Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your sauce. Use a sharp knife to achieve evenly sized pieces, which will help with even cooking. If you prefer, you can use a small grater for a finer texture.

2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and allow them to sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft and the flavors combine. The aroma will be divine – this is the beginning of your Bolognese sauce!

3. Add the meat
Add the ground meat to the skillet, stirring well to break it up. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until all the liquid released by the meat has evaporated. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture and intense flavor.

4. Wine and herbs
Add the wine and dried herbs (marjoram, basil, and oregano) to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients well and allow them to simmer on low heat for 7-8 minutes until the liquid has evaporated almost completely. The wine will add depth and complexity to the sauce, so don’t skip this step!

5. Tomatoes and slow cooking
Add the tomato pulp to the skillet and mix well. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the sauce simmer slowly for 2-3 hours. This is the secret to a successful Bolognese sauce – the long cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop. If you notice the sauce reducing too much, you can add a little wine or water to prevent burning.

6. Boil the pasta
Towards the end of the sauce cooking time, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt (about 1 tablespoon) and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Shake them well to remove excess water.

7. Assembly and serving
Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Serving
Serve the pasta hot, with a generous portion of Bolognese sauce on top. Add a fresh touch with a sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan on top. Accompany with a crunchy green salad for an excellent contrast!

Practical Tips and Variations

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Pasta alla Bolognese is an excellent source of protein due to the ground beef and provides vitamins from the vegetables. One serving has about 600-700 calories, depending on the pasta portion. Remember to adjust the portions to your caloric needs!

- Choosing the meat
For a richer and tastier sauce, you can mix ground beef with ground pork.

- Vegetarian option
If you prefer a meatless version, replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or a mix of vegetables. Add lentils to maintain a rich texture.

- What drinks to pair?
A dry red wine will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, herbal tea or natural tomato juice are excellent options.

- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to simmer the sauce for so long?
The long simmering time allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a rich and complex sauce.
2. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Bolognese sauce keeps excellently in the fridge and can be frozen for later use.
3. What pasta should I use?
Spaghetti is the most popular, but you can also use tagliatelle or penne for an interesting variation.

Personal Note

For a personal touch, I recommend adding some chopped black olives to the sauce 30 minutes before serving. This will add depth of flavor and a surprising aroma, perfect for those who love dishes with a touch of originality!

Enjoy every step of cooking! Pasta alla Bolognese is not just a dish, but an experience that brings family and friends together. Bon appétit!