Spaghetti with ragù sauce

Spaghetti with Ragu Sauce – A classic, easy, and flavorful recipe

When it comes to dishes that remind us of warm summer days, spaghetti with ragu sauce is definitely an excellent choice. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also offers a perfect combination of flavors that will delight any meal. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this dish can be customized according to individual tastes, providing a range of options to satisfy all preferences.

Before we start cooking, let's familiarize ourselves a bit with the ingredients and the history of this dish. Ragu sauce has deep roots in culinary tradition, serving as a base for various pasta dishes. It is a combination of meat and tomato sauce that, when cooked properly, becomes an explosion of flavors.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g Barilla no. 3 spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 500 g ground beef (optional, you can also try ground pork or chicken)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 250 g tomato paste (or fresh crushed tomatoes)

Step 1: Preparing the spaghetti
Put a large pot of water to boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. When the water starts to boil, add the Barilla no. 3 spaghetti. Boil for about 10 minutes or according to the package instructions until al dente.

Helpful tips:
- Don’t forget to stir the pasta while boiling to prevent sticking.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a few slices of garlic to the boiling water.

Step 2: Preparing the ragu sauce
In a large skillet, add 50 ml of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté it lightly, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and is well cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Chef's tip:
- Use a wooden spatula to break the meat apart while it cooks, so you get small, even pieces.

Step 3: Adding the spices
Once the meat is cooked, add salt, pepper, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Mix well to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Preparing the tomato sauce
Dilute the tomato paste with 200 ml of warm water. Add the tomato mixture to the skillet over the meat and let it simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. You will notice how the flavors combine and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.

Step 5: The final mix
When the sauce is ready, drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet, mixing well to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Personal tip:
- If you like a spicy flavor, you can add some dried chili pepper to the sauce.

Serving:
Serve the spaghetti with ragu sauce hot, and you can add ketchup or grated parmesan on top, as desired. This recipe pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine or a cold lemonade, enhancing the dish's flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a healthier option and offers a slightly different but delicious taste.

2. What can I add to enrich the sauce?
You can include finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers, sautéed along with the meat.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The ragu sauce keeps excellently in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I recommend reheating it over low heat or in the oven.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the ground beef and contains carbohydrates from the pasta, providing a balanced meal. The addition of tomatoes brings antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Possible variations:
Instead of ground beef, you can experiment with chicken or even a vegetarian version using mushrooms or chopped vegetables. You can also add spices like basil or rosemary for a distinct flavor.

In conclusion, spaghetti with ragu sauce is not only a tasty dish but also an opportunity to play with flavors and ingredients. So, don’t hesitate to add a personal touch to your recipe! Cooking is an art, and every meal is a new opportunity to create something special. Enjoy your meal!