The Perfect Bolognese From Scratch

Pasta
Photo by Homescreenify on Unsplash

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Cook the meat until it’s well-browned, but not burnt.
  3. 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.
  4. Add wine to the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. This adds an incredible layer of flavor.
  5. 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.