Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
There’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of Spaghetti Bolognese to satisfy your cravings for Italian comfort food. In this recipe, we’ll explore the traditional method of preparing this beloved dish, infusing the ragù with a depth of flavor that only comes from slow cooking and the love of good food.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 500g ground beef
- 100g pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
- 800g canned whole tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pancetta. Cook until the meat is well browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the sauce cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For even more depth of flavor, let the sauce simmer for up to 2 hours if you have the time.
- When the sauce is nearly done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan with the Bolognese sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly.
- Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
There you have it—a classic Spaghetti Bolognese that’s sure to become a staple in your home-cooking repertoire. Paired with a slice of crusty bread and a glass of your favorite red wine, this meal is the perfect way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table.