Indulge in a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with our authentic Bolognese sauce, a rich and flavorful meat-based sauce that embodies the essence of traditional Italian cooking. This versatile sauce is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, gracing pasta dishes, lasagna, and polenta with its robust and comforting flavors. Experience the symphony of flavors as ground beef, pork, and pancetta unite in a savory embrace, simmering in a velvety broth infused with tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic herbs. Discover the secrets behind this culinary treasure, unraveling the nuances of each ingredient and the careful techniques that elevate this sauce to greatness. Embark on a culinary adventure, recreating this iconic sauce in your own kitchen, and savor the authentic taste of Italy in every bite.
From the classic Bolognese sauce, a cornerstone of Italian cooking, to its variations such as Ragu alla Bolognese, a richer and more elaborate version, and the versatile Bolognese sauce for pasta, a quick and easy weeknight meal, this article offers a comprehensive guide to this beloved Italian sauce. Learn the art of simmering the sauce to perfection, extracting the maximum flavor from each ingredient, and balancing the acidity of tomatoes with the sweetness of carrots and onions. Explore the secrets of creating a velvety smooth sauce, free of lumps and graininess, and discover the perfect pasta pairings to showcase the sauce's richness.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, our detailed recipes and expert tips will guide you through the process of crafting an exceptional Bolognese sauce. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, we'll equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the timeless flavors of Italy.
AUTHENTIC BOLOGNESE SAUCE
Steps:
- Cut the carrot, celery and onion very fine (must not too much that it becomes pulpy when cooked).
- In a medium to large heavy pot add the olive oil and chopped vegetables, cook covered on low heat (stirring occasionally) until onion is transparent.
- Increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef and pork. Stirring as the meat is cooking to break up the pieces. Once the meat has browned turned the heat up to high and add the wine.
- Cook until the alcohol has evaporated (about 20-30 seconds) and the liquid has evaporated. Decrease the heat to medium/low and add the tomato paste, puree, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Gradually decrease the heat to the lowest setting cover and let simmer for three hours (the mixture should not boil). Stir occasionally.
- After the time has passed remove the bay leaf and add the milk, heat thoroughly for a couple of minutes. Serve over cooked pasta. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 20 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Sodium 341 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
NORTH ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE (RAGU BOLOGNESE)
This recipe comes from Bologna, Italy. One unusual characteristic of this sauce is that there is no garlic in it--but there is a hint of ground nutmeg. Serve over hot cooked pasta.
Provided by MARBALET
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Meat Sauce
Time 1h30m
Yield 28
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add pancetta, onion, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a heavy large saucepan.
- In same skillet, heat olive oil. Cook ground beef and pork over medium heat, stirring to break up any lumps, until browned. Pour in the wine, increase the heat and boil briskly, stirring constantly, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated. Transfer ground meat mixture to the saucepan with the pancetta and vegetables. Set skillet aside.
- Stir the beef stock and tomato paste into the saucepan. Bring sauce to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in the original skillet. Add chicken livers and saute for 3 to 4 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned. Remove livers from skillet and dice. Set aside and add to sauce 10 minutes before it is done. A few minutes before serving, stir in the cream and let it heat through. Season sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 135.3 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 58.5 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 167.4 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
"REAL" ITALIAN BOLOGNESE SAUCE
After traveling throughout Italy, savoring the fine tastes of Bolognese from the many different regions, I decided to formulate my own. Try it, you'll love it.
Provided by Classic Chef
Categories Sauces
Time 2h40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a Dutch Oven or Medium Size Pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter begins to froth.
- Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and bacon.
- Cook until onions are translucent (about 8 to 10 minutes).
- Remove bacon and remove fat.
- Chop lean portions of bacon in small pieces and return to pot.
- Add Ground beef and ground Pork, and cook until meat loses red, raw color.
- Raise heat and add wine and consomme.
- Cook sauce until wine and consomme are mostly evaporated.
- Turn heat down to simmer and add oregano, salt, pepper, sage, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg.
- Let cook for approximately 20 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and bring heat to a boil.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, return to simmer.
- Let sauce simmer (very slowly) partially covered for about 2 to 4 hours (the longer the better), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- About 5 to 10 minutes before serving, add milk.
- Sauce can now be added to cooked Penne Pasta, Spaghetti or many other Pastas to your liking.
- Remaining sauce may be frozen for up to two months for future use.
CLASSIC ITALIAN BOLOGNESE SAUCE
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a 3 quart saucepan heat oil and butter. Add pancetta and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until most of the fat has be rendered. Then add carrots, celery, and onions and saute for 3 minutes. Now add the beef, salt and pepper to taste and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Add the milk and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk is completely evaporated. Add wine and simmer until evaporated.
- Finally, add the tomatoes and simmer slowly, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours partially covered. It's important to reduce as slowly as possible. If sauce becomes dry, add 1/2 cup water whenever necessary. When almost ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is tender but still firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, pat dry and return to the pot. Add your sauce to the past and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl, and serve immediately. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
BOLOGNESE SAUCE - TRADITIONAL ITALIAN MEAT-BASED SAUCE FOR PASTA
This full-bodied Italian meat-based sauce is a staple of northern Italy's Bologna. It includes a small amount of tomatoes in a rich sauce with meat and other flavorful ingredients. Serve it on gnocchi or your favorite thick pasta (we prefer penne in our family) and dress it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Be sure to have plenty of French or Italian crusty bread on hand to sop up this delicious meat sauce, and don't forget a great bottle of red wine. Oooooh the aroma , Ahhhhhh the flavor -- It's like being in Italy without the passport! Mangiare!
Provided by Feast Your Eyes
Categories Pork
Time 3h15m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- In a nonstick skillet saute' the pancetta until brown and crisp. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels; set aside.
- Put the pepper, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms and garlic in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.
- Over a medium flame, heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep saute' pan with a thick, heavy bottom. To the pan add the chopped vegetables and lemon zest, saute' for 6 or 7 minutes - until the onions turn clear and the garlic starts to "dance". Pour all ingredients into a large bowl; reserve for later.
- Continuing to cook over a medium flame, add the sausage links to the saute' pan, breaking into bite-sized clumps with a fork while it cooks; stir often. Cook until no longer pink. Remove sausage from pan and drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, discard all but 1 tablespoon of the pan drippings and add the beef to the saute' pan. Crumble with a fork to break the beef apart; stir often. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until no longer pink.
- Lower your flame to medium-low and return the sausage, sauteed vegetables and pancetta to the saute' pan; gently stir together to blend. Add the wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add the milk, allspice, basil, oregano and pepper. Simmer until milk thickens a little - around 3 or 4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes and a 1/2 cup of their juice. When the sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat so that it cooks at the barest simmer, with just an occasional bubble or two. Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours, turning down the heat if the sauce starts to scorch. If the sauce dries out before it is done, add a laddle of the reserved tomato juice or the beef broth; and check the seasoning.
- The sauce will improve steadily as it cooks, and if you have the time simmer it longer - many Italian cooks suggest that it be simmered for 6 hours, adding the tomato juice or broth as necessary. When this bolognese sauce is done, it should be rich and thick.
- Cook's Tip: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for several days, or frozen for several months. Warm over low heat before serving.
- Cook's Tip: Try using all chopped veal or lamb for a stronger flavor.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 354.1, Fat 22.5, SaturatedFat 8.4, Cholesterol 57.3, Sodium 586.6, Carbohydrate 13.5, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 7.1, Protein 17.4
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the meat and tomatoes. Grass-fed beef chuck roast or ground beef is a great choice for the meat, and San Marzano tomatoes are considered to be the best tomatoes for Bolognese sauce.
- Brown the meat well before adding the other ingredients. This will help to develop the flavor of the sauce.
- Cook the sauce slowly and low for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Add a splash of red wine or milk to the sauce. This will help to add depth of flavor and richness.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices in the sauce. This will help to create a complex and flavorful sauce.
- Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or tagliatelle.
Conclusion:
Bolognese sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used on a variety of dishes. It is a classic Italian sauce that is sure to please everyone at your table. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make a delicious Bolognese sauce at home. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Bolognese sauce a try. You won't be disappointed!
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