Pasta Bolognese recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for Pasta Bolognese:

Ingredients for Pasta Bolognese recipe:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• 1 lb (450g) pasta of your choice
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
8. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
9. Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Pasta Bolognese!

FAQs

• What is the difference between meat sauce and bolognese?

  • While both meat sauce and Bolognese involve ground meat, the key difference lies in their preparation and ingredients. Bolognese, originating from Italy, typically includes a mixture of finely chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It also incorporates a small amount of tomato paste, milk, or cream, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor. On the other hand, a generic meat sauce may be a simpler concoction with ground meat and a basic tomato base.

• What is bolognese sauce made of?

  • Bolognese sauce is made with ground meat, often beef, along with finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. The sauce is enriched with tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and sometimes a small amount of milk or cream. Aromatic herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme are added to enhance the flavor. The sauce is simmered slowly to allow the ingredients to meld and create a robust, savory taste.

• What pasta goes with bolognese?

  • Bolognese sauce pairs wonderfully with wide, flat pasta varieties that can hold and complement the hearty meat sauce. Popular choices include fettuccine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle. These pasta shapes provide a substantial base for the rich Bolognese, allowing the sauce to cling to the noodles and deliver a satisfying bite.

• What makes bolognese taste better?

  • Several factors contribute to enhancing the taste of Bolognese sauce. Firstly, taking the time to slow-cook the sauce allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Additionally, using a combination of ground meats, such as beef and pork, can add depth and complexity to the sauce. Balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness from carrots or a splash of red wine can also elevate the overall taste. Finally, finishing the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can provide a delightful umami kick, making the Bolognese even more flavorful.