Bolognese

Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù alla Bolognese, is a rich and hearty meat-based sauce originating from the city of Bologna, Italy. This iconic sauce is a staple of Italian cuisine and is commonly served with pasta, particularly tagliatelle or fettuccine. In this article, we will delve into the history of Bolognese sauce, its key ingredients, and provide you with a recipe to make this delicious sauce at home.

Origins of Bolognese Sauce:

Bolognese sauce has a long and storied history, with its origins dating back to the late 18th century in Bologna, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The sauce was traditionally made with a combination of ground or finely chopped meats, such as beef, pork, and sometimes veal, cooked slowly in a flavorful base of onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and wine. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and adapted, but the core components of a rich, meaty sauce remain consistent.

Key Ingredients:

To make a classic Bolognese sauce, you will need the following key ingredients:

1. Ground Meat: A combination of ground beef and ground pork is commonly used in Bolognese sauce. This mixture provides a balance of flavors and textures. You can also add a small amount of ground veal for additional richness, although it is optional.
2. Aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery form the aromatic base of Bolognese sauce. These ingredients are finely diced and cooked until softened to release their flavors.
3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a crucial component of Bolognese sauce. Traditional recipes call for tomato paste and canned tomatoes, which add depth and richness to the sauce. You can also use fresh tomatoes if they are in season.
4. Wine: Red wine, such as a dry red like Chianti or Barbera, is typically added to the sauce to enhance its flavors. The wine helps to deglaze the pan and adds a subtle tangy note to the sauce.
5. Herbs and Seasonings: Bolognese sauce is typically seasoned with bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. These herbs and spices contribute to the complex flavor profile of the sauce.

Recipe for Bolognese Sauce:

Here’s a traditional recipe to make Bolognese sauce at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225g) ground beef
• 8 ounces (225g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Pour in the red wine and cook for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavors will become.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.
7. Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, such as tagliatelle or fettuccine. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.