Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese is a classic Italian dish loved by many for its hearty and flavorful combination of pasta and rich meat sauce. This recipe brings together tender minced beef, aromatic vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. The sauce is simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and robust bolognese sauce. Served over al dente spaghetti, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or hosting a gathering, spaghetti bolognese is a timeless and satisfying choice.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 50g/2oz streaky bacon, diced
• 350g/12oz minced beef
• 400g/14oz canned peeled plum tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 125ml/4fl oz red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 700g/1.5lb dried spaghetti

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sweat for 3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the finely chopped garlic, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and diced streaky bacon to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to brown slightly.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the minced beef. Cook for about 3 minutes until all the meat has browned.
4. Stir in the canned peeled plum tomatoes, breaking them up slightly with a wooden spoon. Add the dried oregano and red wine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 45 minutes. Stir in the tomato purée and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. In a separate pot, cook the dried spaghetti in lightly salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
7. Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large serving bowl. Pour the bolognese sauce over the spaghetti and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Serve the spaghetti bolognese hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

YIELD:

This recipe serves 4 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a richer flavor, you can let the bolognese sauce simmer for even longer, up to a couple of hours.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

TIPS:

• Leftover spaghetti bolognese can be refrigerated and enjoyed as leftovers the next day. The flavors tend to deepen and intensify over time.
• Serve the spaghetti bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Spaghetti bolognese is a timeless and satisfying dish that combines tender minced beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This classic Italian recipe brings together the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and herbs to create a hearty and comforting meal.

To prepare spaghetti bolognese, the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bacon are sautéed until fragrant and slightly browned. The minced beef is then added and cooked until browned. The sauce is created by incorporating canned peeled plum tomatoes, dried oregano, red wine, and tomato purée. The mixture is simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Meanwhile, the spaghetti is cooked until al dente and then tossed with the bolognese sauce. The result is a delicious combination of tender pasta coated in a rich and flavorful meat sauce.

Serve the spaghetti bolognese hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. The dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the timeless flavors of spaghetti bolognese, a dish that has been cherished by families for generations.