A rich Bolognese sauce is all about building flavour in layers. Fresh vegetables, well-browned ground meat, tomato paste, herbs, wine and a slow simmer come together to create a hearty sauce with a deep, savoury taste. This recipe also uses a little milk or cream at the end to soften the acidity and give the finished Bolognese a smoother texture. Served with spaghetti, tagliatelle or penne and finished with freshly grated Parmesan, it makes a comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingridents
Bolognese –1
Scallion -1
garlic clove -2
carrots -2
celery stalks -2
tablespoons of butter -300 grms
grams of ground beef -200 Gram mett (seasoned ground beef)
sugar -1
heaped tablespoon tomato paste -1
bay leaf -5
thyme sprigs -½
teaspoon ground sweet paprika
pepper (freshly ground) -1
piece of bacon rind (small) -1
Can of peeled tomatoes (850 g)
100 milliliters of red wine (or white wine)
250 milliliters of beef broth (or broth)
150 milliliters of tomato juice
1 splash of milk (or cream)
sea salt
Butter is commonly used to add richness and flavour to cooked dishes. If you want to learn more about different ways to prepare and use butter, check out this guide to butter.
Preparation
Fry Vegetables
Peel the onion and garlic and cut finely. Clean, wash and finely chop the carrots and celery.
Heat 1 tablespoon of clarified butter in a large covered skillet, sauté vegetables over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Take out and reserve.
Fry Ground Beef And Season diet
Pour the remaining clarified butter into the hot skillet. Add the crushed beef and pork and brown over high heat until the ground beef is browned and a roast forms (this will take about 15 minutes). Smash the meat with a spatula so that it falls apart.
Finish with a large pinch of sugar. Add the tomato paste and fry for 3 more minutes.
Add Spices
Then add the roasted vegetables, bay leaf and rinsed thyme sprigs and season with paprika and pepper.
Leave Bolognese Stew
Add the bacon rind, the tomatoes with the liquid and the wine and cook stirring until the liquid evaporates.
Pour in the broth and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a little tomato juice as needed if the sauce is too thick.
Finally, add enough tomato juice to give the sauce the right consistency.
The Finishing Touch
Remove bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and bacon rind. Mix the bolognese well and add a dash of milk or cream if necessary; this will smooth and soften the sauce. Finally, season with salt, pepper and sugar.
What Meat For The Bolognese?
Meat is the key ingredient for great flavor in a Bolognese sauce, so it needs to be of good quality and not too low in fat. You can use organic ground beef or ground pork, or combine it with some ground beef like in our recipe. Even slightly grated bacon, like pancetta, provides a hearty flavor.
How Do You Season A Bolognese?
You can refine your Bolognese with the following spices:
bay leaves
thyme
paprika powder
cumin
Rosemary
oregano
Chile
ground coriander
Cayenne pepper
wise
Fresh herbs can also add flavour and aroma to meals without making the dish overly complicated. Mint is another versatile herb used in cooking and beverages, and you can explore the benefits of mint for more information.
Bolognese: What Should You Serve With It?
Bolognese pasta is traditionally served. The noodles can be spaghetti, then you get a delicious spaghetti bolognese, but tagliatelle or penne also taste great and soak up the sauce well. Complete the dish perfectly with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
For a more varied meal, Bolognese pasta can also be served alongside a fresh vegetable side dish. These salad recipes offer additional ideas for adding fresh ingredients and variety to your meal.
If you are planning a meal that includes something sweet afterward, fresh fruit can provide a simple dessert option. Plums are one fruit that can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into different dishes.
Conclusion
This homemade Bolognese takes some time, but the slow cooking is what gives the sauce its rich and developed flavour. A balanced meal can also be paired with a variety of beverages depending on your preferences. For those looking for a lighter alternative to sugary drinks, green tea can be enjoyed alongside meals or throughout the day.
Browning the meat properly, cooking the vegetables gently and allowing the sauce to simmer for 1½ to 2 hours makes a noticeable difference. Once finished, remove the herbs and bacon rind, adjust the seasoning and add a splash of milk or cream for a smooth finish. Serve it with your favourite pasta and Parmesan for a satisfying classic Italian-style meal.
For other versatile ingredients to keep in your kitchen, peanut butter can also be used in a range of snacks, breakfasts and recipes beyond traditional sandwiches.
