Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese – A classic recipe, full of flavors and love

When you think of a dish that brings back memories of family meals, spaghetti Bolognese is surely on the favorites list. This dish, with deep roots in culinary traditions, has become a symbol of culinary comfort and shared joy. In every bite, the rich taste of the meat sauce, the herbal aromas, and the al dente texture of the spaghetti combine to create a memorable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 450 g ground veal
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 1 can of tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 200 ml water
- 100 ml dry red wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50 g butter
- 1 pack of spaghetti (400 g)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparation:

1. Heating the oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The olive oil adds a rich flavor and pleasant aroma, so don’t hesitate to use a quality one.

2. Sautéing the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent. This is when the aromas start to release, providing a delicious base for your sauce.

3. Adding the carrot: Incorporate the chopped carrot and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. The carrot will add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture to the sauce.

4. The veal: Now it’s time to add the veal. Use a knife to cut it into small pieces, ensuring it browns evenly. Stir well and let the meat cook until it develops a slight crust, about 5-7 minutes. This will enhance the flavors of the sauce.

5. Forming the sauce: Add the water, canned tomatoes (chopped), tomato juice, tomato paste, red wine, bay leaf, honey, dried basil, and oregano. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The honey is the secret that will add a subtle sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

6. Simmering the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to meld and develop. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it out.

7. Seasoning: Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. This is an important step, as the bay leaf is not edible.

8. Cooking the spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, so they have a pleasant texture. Don’t forget to salt the boiling water to add extra flavor.

9. Serving: Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce, mixing well to coat them evenly. Add the butter for extra creaminess. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up every drop of delicious sauce.

Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or chicken, or make a vegetarian version using chopped mushrooms and lentils. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enrich the dish.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of spaghetti Bolognese has approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This recipe is rich in protein due to the veal, and tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, basil and oregano not only add flavor but also health benefits, being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use chicken instead of veal? Absolutely! Chicken is a delicious and lighter alternative.

2. What type of wine should I use? Choose a dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to add depth to the sauce.

3. Can I prepare the Bolognese sauce in advance? Yes! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later use.

4. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add a pinch of dried chili pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the Bolognese sauce to give it a kick.

Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table! Every bite of spaghetti Bolognese is like a warm hug, full of flavors and comfort. Enjoy your meal!