Bolognese sauce is a classic of Italian cuisine. This dish is about the journey of flavors, the art of simmering, and the joy of sharing. If you’re looking for a soul-warming dinner, you’re in the right place.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 can canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup milk
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- The secret to the perfect Bolognese lies in its cooking time. This sauce demands patience, as it needs to simmer gently for several hours so that the flavors meld together.
- Cook the meat until it’s well-browned, but not burnt.
- Once the meat is browned, set it aside and in the same pan, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and golden.
- Add wine to the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. This adds an incredible layer of flavor.
- Return the meat to the pan, add the tomatoes and tomato paste, herbs, and slowly pour in the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, and let it cook, uncovered, for several hours. The longer it cooks, the better it gets.