Pasta with Bolognese Sauce Recipe
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The promise of a warm and savory meal is enough to get anyone excited in the kitchen. Still, the anticipation is even more palpable when making Pasta (What wine goes well with pasta?) with Bolognese Sauce. With the scent of vegetables sautéing in olive oil wafting through the air, it's impossible not to feel your mouth start to water. As the sauce simmers and thickens into a velvety masterpiece, the rich red color seems to beckon you closer. And when the perfectly al dente pasta is carefully added to the pot, you know you're in for a treat. Each strand eagerly awaits its chance to be coated in the luscious sauce, and the combination of the two is nothing short of divine. More than just a delicious meal, this dish brings people together. With each bite, you can almost feel transported to Italy, where the simple pleasure of good food and company is cherished above all else.
Pasta with Bolognese Sauce is a dish that has stood the test of time, capturing the hearts and palates of people all over the world. This classic Italian recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and savory meat sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that is sure to leave you craving for more. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Pasta with Bolognese Sauce is a recipe that never fails to impress.
Tips for a Perfect Bolognese Sauce
The key to a perfect Bolognese sauce lies in its depth of flavor and the combination of quality ingredients.
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Mirepoix
Traditionally, Bolognese sauce is made with a mixture of ground beef, which provides a rich and hearty base. The meat is cooked until browned and combined with aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots (how long do carrots last?), and celery (how long does celery last?). This trio of vegetables, known as a mirepoix, adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Herbs and Spices
To enhance the flavor even further, garlic and a variety of herbs and spices are added. Italian seasoning and bay leaves infuse the sauce with their aromatic essence, while salt and pepper provide the necessary seasoning.
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Tomato Paste
For an extra touch of richness, a small amount of tomato paste (how long does tomato paste last?) can be added, intensifying the tomato flavor and giving the sauce its characteristic deep red hue.
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Simmer to Combine Flavors
The sauce is then simmered gently, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious blend. Adding a splash of red wine is optional but highly recommended, as it imparts a subtle complexity and richness to the sauce. As the Bolognese sauce simmers away, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting their meal.
Main Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients for Pasta with Bolognese Sauce along with their descriptions:
Ground Beef
This is a key component of Bolognese sauce, providing a rich and meaty flavor. Look for ground beef with a moderate fat content, such as 85% lean, to ensure a good balance of flavor and texture.
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Onion
Onions bring a sweet and savory flavor to the Bolognese sauce. They add depth and complexity to the dish as they cook down and meld with the other ingredients.
Carrots
Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness to the sauce and provide a gentle earthy flavor. They also add a vibrant color to the final dish.
Celery
Celery adds a refreshing and slightly herbal note to the Bolognese sauce. It complements the other ingredients and contributes to the overall balance of flavors.
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Garlic
Garlic is a staple in Italian cuisine and brings a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce. It enhances the savory profile of the dish.
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Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes (What wine goes well with tomatoes?) provide the base for the Bolognese sauce. They have a thick and rich texture, imparting a bright tomato flavor that combines beautifully with the meat and herbs.
Red Wine (optional)
Adding red wine to the sauce deepens the flavor profile and adds complexity. It helps to enhance the richness of the sauce and can impart subtle fruity or earthy notes.
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Beef or Vegetable Broth
Broth adds moisture and depth to the Bolognese sauce. It helps to create a velvety texture and contributes to the overall savory character of the dish.
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Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and brown the meat. It adds a fruity and slightly peppery flavor to the sauce while also providing a smooth texture.
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Dried Herbs
Dried oregano (how long does dried oregano last?), basil (how long does basil last?), and thyme are classic Italian herbs that add depth and aroma to the Bolognese sauce. They infuse the dish with a savory and herbaceous profile.
Pasta
Traditional choices for Pasta with Bolognese Sauce include spaghetti or tagliatelle. These long, ribbon-like pasta shapes work well in capturing and holding onto the sauce.
These ingredients work together to create the iconic flavors of Pasta with Bolognese Sauce. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the delicious results!
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Choosing and Cooking the Pasta
Now, let's turn our attention to the pasta. While there are several types of pasta that can be paired with Bolognese sauce, classics like spaghetti or tagliatelle are often preferred.
These long, ribbon-like strands of pasta provide the perfect vehicle for capturing the rich sauce, allowing every bite to be a harmonious combination of pasta and meaty goodness.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. It's important not to overcook the pasta, as you want it to retain a slight firmness and texture that will complement the sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, plate the pasta and generously ladle the Bolognese sauce over the top. The sauce should coat the pasta evenly, ensuring each strand is immersed in its deliciousness.
For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. The Parmesan adds a salty richness, while the basil provides a touch of freshness and brightness.
With each forkful, you'll experience the harmony of flavors in Pasta with Bolognese Sauce. The tender pasta combines with the robust meat sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to Italy. The richness of the sauce, the savory notes of the meat, and the delicate balance of herbs and spices make this dish a true delight for the senses.
So, the next time you're in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal, look no further than Pasta with Bolognese Sauce. This timeless Italian classic is sure to bring joy to your table and leave a lasting impression on everyone who tastes it. Buon appetito!
Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 large cloves of Garlic, minced
- 2-3 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2-3 celery sticks, sliced
- ½ cup Mushrooms, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- First, brown the beef in a deep frying pan with a lid then move into a bowl and set aside.
- Wipe the pan clean, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and place onto medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic, onions, and mushrooms to the pan, season with some salt, and sautee for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini and saute for a further 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining salt, pepper, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste and mix to combine.
- Empty the two cans of diced tomatoes, beef stock, and milk then mix to combine and bring to aboil.
- Turn the heat down to a simmer, place the lid onto the pan and simmer for at least an hour or up to 3 or 4 hours.
- Cook some pasta in the remaining 25 minutes prior to taking the sauce off the heat. 10-15 minutes before the pasta is ready turn off the heat and leave the lid on the pan to rest the sauce.
