A Taste of Italy: Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù alla bolognese, is a rich and savory meat sauce that hails from the city of Bologna in Italy. This classic sauce is a favorite for pasta lovers around the world. If you're ready to embark on a culinary journey to Italy, here's a homemade Bolognese sauce recipe that will elevate your pasta dishes to a new level of deliciousness.

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Ingredients: What You'll Need

Before we start simmering, let's gather all the essential ingredients for this exquisite Bolognese sauce.

1 pound (450g) of ground beef.

1/2 pound (225g) of ground pork (or use ground veal for a traditional touch).

1 onion, finely chopped.

2 carrots, finely chopped.

2 celery stalks, finely chopped.

3 cloves of garlic, minced.

1/2 cup (120ml) of red wine (optional but recommended).

2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes.

1/2 cup (120ml) of whole milk.

1/2 cup (120ml) of beef or vegetable broth.

2 tablespoons of tomato paste.

2 tablespoons of olive oil.

2 bay leaves.

Salt and black pepper to taste.

A pinch of nutmeg (freshly grated if possible).

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional).

Cooking Your Bolognese Sauce

Let's get cooking and infuse your kitchen with the enticing aromas of Italy:

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté them until they become tender and the onion turns translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.

Add the ground beef and ground pork (or veal) to the pot. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it's browned and no longer pink.

Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will add depth of flavor to your sauce.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes.

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the richer and more flavorful your sauce will become.

About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, pour in the whole milk and stir it into the sauce. This will add a creamy richness.

Serving Your Bolognese Sauce

Your homemade Bolognese sauce is now ready to be savored. Whether you choose to serve it over al dente pasta, such as tagliatelle or fettuccine, or as a filling for lasagna, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and savor the authentic flavors of Italy right at your table.