When it comes to classic Italian cuisine, Spaghetti Bolognese is a dish that always comes to mind. This hearty and comforting meal is a favorite among both adults and children, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile.
The origins of Spaghetti Bolognese can be traced back to the city of Bologna in Northern Italy. The dish, which is also known as ragù alla bolognese, traditionally consists of a meat-based sauce made with ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. The sauce is simmered for a long time to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory taste.
The traditional recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese calls for the use of a specific type of ground beef, known as “macinato di manzo.” This type of beef is made from a cut of meat known as “Fassone” and is ground multiple times to create a very fine texture. However, you can use any ground beef of your preference.
The most important step in making spaghetti Bolognese is the preparation of the sauce. Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until they are soft. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Next, add the tomatoes, along with some red wine, and let the sauce simmer for at least an hour. The longer you let the sauce simmer, the better the flavor will be.
While the sauce is simmering, you can prepare the spaghetti. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce.
Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese in large plates, garnishing with some grated Parmesan cheese or parsley. You can also add a green salad or garlic bread on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It is easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can enjoy it with a glass of red wine and make it a perfect dinner party meal.
This recipe is easy to make and delicious, but there are many variations of this dish. Some people like to add bacon, mushrooms, or even cream to the sauce, while others prefer to use different types of meat, such as pork or veal. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find the version of spaghetti Bolognese that you love the most.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional ingredients:
- 2-3 slices of bacon, diced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Cook until the wine is reduced by half.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Optional: If you want to add bacon, mushrooms or other vegetables, add them now.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer you let the sauce simmer, the better the flavor will be.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce.
- Optional: If you want to add cream, stir it in now.
- Serve the spaghetti Bolognese in large plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley.
6 Additional Modifications to Spaghetti Bolognese:
There are many ways to modify the Spaghetti Bolognese sauce to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few popular options:
- Vegetarian or vegan: To make the sauce vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or lentils. You can also add vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini to give the sauce more texture and flavor.
- Spicy: To make the sauce spicy, you can add ingredients such as red pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or chili powder to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a nice kick.
- Creamy: To make the sauce creamy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to make it richer.
- Herby: To make the sauce herby, you can add fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce. You can also add some chopped parsley or chives at the end of cooking to give it a fresh touch.
- Mediterranean: To make the sauce Mediterranean-inspired, you can add ingredients such as olives, capers, or anchovies to the sauce. You can also add some fresh or dried herbs such as oregano, thyme or rosemary.
- Gluten-free: To make the sauce gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce instead of wheat flour.
These are just a few examples of how you can modify the Spaghetti Bolognese sauce to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Here are the Key Elements in Cooking Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce:
- Meat: The traditional recipe for Bolognese sauce calls for ground beef, but it can also be made with ground pork, veal or a combination of meats. The meat is browned in a pan and forms the base of the sauce.
- Aromatics: Aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery are added to the pan and sautéed until they are soft. These ingredients add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Tomato: Tomatoes are a key ingredient in Bolognese sauce, they can be added as crushed tomatoes, pureed tomatoes, or even as a paste. Tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- Wine: Wine is another key ingredient in Bolognese sauce. It is added to the pan and cooked down, this process helps to deglaze the pan and bring out the flavors of the meat.
- Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, bay leaves, and black pepper are added to the sauce to give it a complex and well-rounded flavor.
- Simmering: The sauce is simmered for a long period of time, usually at least an hour, to allow
Side Dish:
Spaghetti Bolognese is typically served with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top, but there are several other sides that can complement the dish nicely. Some popular options include:
- Garlic bread: This classic side dish is the perfect way to soak up any extra sauce on your plate.
- Green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness to the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant in the oven is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.
- Breaded eggplant or zucchini: Crispy breaded eggplant or zucchini is a great side dish to add some crunch and texture to the dish.
- Crusty bread: A crusty bread like ciabatta or focaccia is great to dip into the sauce and mop up any extra sauce on the plate.
- Caprese Salad: Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is typically made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- A glass of red wine: A glass of red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo would be a perfect complement to the flavors in the sauce, specially if you added red wine to the recipe
Desserts:
Several desserts that would complement a hearty and savory dish like spaghetti Bolognese. Here are a few popular options:
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert is made with layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and espresso. Its creamy and coffee flavor is a great contrast to the rich and meaty Bolognese sauce.
- Panna Cotta: Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made of sweetened cream that is thickened with gelatin. Its smooth and creamy texture is a great way to cleanse the palate after a rich and savory dish like Bolognese.
- Chocolate Pudding: Chocolate pudding is a rich, creamy and satisfying dessert that can be a great way to finish the meal. It’s sweet, chocolatey flavor will balance the savoriness of the Bolognese.
- Fruit Tart: A fruit tart is a great way to finish a meal with a refreshing and light dessert. The sweetness of the fruit and the flakiness of the pastry complement the rich and savory flavors of the Bolognese.
- Cheesecake: Cheesecake is a creamy, rich and indulgent dessert that can be a great way to finish a hearty meal. It’s sweet, tangy flavor will complement the savory flavors of the Bolognese.
- Keto-Friendly Custard: This custard is creamy and packed with healthy fats for the brain. The perfect sweet treat after a savory meal!
You can also experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combination of flavors for you.
The key is to have fun and get creative in the kitchen!