In the culinary realm of Northern Italy, a symphony of flavors awaits in the beloved dish known as Ragù Bolognese, a meat sauce steeped in tradition and cherished by generations. This hearty and versatile sauce, often referred to as Bolognese sauce, is an emblem of the region's rich culinary heritage, gracing dinner tables with its robust taste and versatility. It is a cornerstone of classic Italian dishes like lasagna, tagliatelle al ragù, and polenta, making it a versatile addition to any culinary repertoire. This article presents an array of recipes for this timeless sauce, including its classic iteration, a vegetarian variation, and a simplified version for a crockpot. Experience the magic of Ragù Bolognese and embark on a culinary journey that unveils its secrets and nuances.
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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
NORTH ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE (RAGU BOLOGNESE)
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 the 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.
NORTH ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE (RAGU BOLOGNESE) [33]
Steps:
- Combine the ham, onions, carrots and celery on a cutting board and chop into very small pieces. In a large skillet melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Add ham mixture and saute, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a heavy large saucepan. In same skillet heat olive oil and lightly brown beef and pork over medium heat, stirring constantly to break up any lumps. Pour in the wine, increased the heat and boil briskly, still stirring constantly, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated. Add ground meat mixture to ham mixture in saucepan. Stir in the stock and tomato paste. Bring all 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 or margarine over 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.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will be. Look for fresh, ripe tomatoes, good quality ground beef, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices.
- Brown the meat well: This will help to develop flavor and prevent the meat from becoming dry and crumbly.
- Simmer the sauce for a long time: The longer the sauce simmers, the more time it has to develop flavor. Aim for at least 2 hours, but 3 or 4 hours is even better.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the sauce. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
- Add some red wine: Red wine adds a rich, complex flavor to the sauce. If you don't have any red wine on hand, you can use beef broth or water instead.
- Season the sauce to taste: Once the sauce is done simmering, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs and spices.
Conclusion:
Ragu Bolognese is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a topping for pizza. With a little time and effort, you can easily make this classic Italian sauce at home. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Ragu Bolognese a try!
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