Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce

Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce – A classic delicacy that delights any table

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

One of the most beloved dishes worldwide, spaghetti with Bolognese sauce is a true symbol of comfort food. This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, associated with moments of conviviality and joy. At first glance, it may seem like a simple meal, but the secret lies in the cooking technique and the selection of ingredients that transform this recipe into a culinary masterpiece.

Today, I will guide you step by step to achieve a rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce that will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas. Additionally, I will provide useful tips on ingredients, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions that will enhance your culinary experience. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

- 500 g spaghetti
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 can of sliced mushrooms
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes (400 g)
- 500 ml natural tomato juice
- 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons corn oil (for boiling spaghetti)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cube of basil (or fresh basil)
- 1 teaspoon mixed ground spice (cloves, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried and crushed rosemary
- 1 teaspoon ground sweet cumin
- 1 chili pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Grated cheese, for serving

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. Slice the bell peppers into julienne, and peel and dice the carrot. Make sure all ingredients are prepared before you start cooking, as this will make the process much smoother.

2. Sautéing the vegetables
In a non-stick pot, heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, bell peppers, and carrot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. This is the base of the flavors, so don’t skip this step!

3. Adding the meat
Once the vegetables have softened, add the ground beef. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned.

4. Including the mushrooms and tomatoes
Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped peeled tomatoes, and tomato juice. Mix well and cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

5. Boiling the spaghetti
In a separate pot, boil salted water and 3 tablespoons of corn oil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, making sure to leave them for 5 minutes longer to achieve an al dente texture, as preferred by Italians.

6. Finalizing the sauce
After the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, add thyme, basil (cube or fresh), mixed spices, oregano, rosemary, cumin, and chili pepper (if using). Mix well and leave on the heat for another 5 minutes so that the spices integrate perfectly into the sauce.

7. Draining and mixing the spaghetti
When the spaghetti is ready, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, put it back in the pot where it was boiled, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

8. Serving
On a large platter, arrange the spaghetti and generously cover it with the Bolognese sauce. Sprinkle grated cheese on top, to taste. You can serve this dish alongside assorted pickles and homemade olives for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Chef's tip
To add extra flavor, you can let the sauce simmer longer, even up to 30 minutes. The longer the sauce simmers, the more complex and rich the flavors become. You can also experiment with different types of meat – pork or lamb can add an interesting note to this sauce.

Variations and suggestions

1. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or a mix of chopped vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, etc.) and add tofu or seitan.
2. If you like it spicy, you can add chili sauce or freshly chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
3. For a creamier sauce, add a bit of sour cream or ricotta to the hot sauce before serving.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the ground beef and contains a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and olive oil brings healthy fats for the heart. Additionally, whole wheat spaghetti could be a healthier option, offering fiber and keeping you full longer.

Frequently asked questions

Can Bolognese sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, Bolognese sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify as it sits.

How can I prevent the spaghetti from sticking?
Rinsing the spaghetti under cold water after boiling helps remove excess starch, preventing sticking.

What wine pairs best with Bolognese spaghetti?
A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs perfectly with the richness of Bolognese sauce.

Conclusion
Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to start cooking! Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce is not just a comforting meal but also an opportunity to enjoy wonderful moments with loved ones. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will surely be appreciated. Enjoy your meal!