Bolognese pasta is a classic dish of Italian cuisine that consists of a rich and flavorful sauce made from ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, and spices. The sauce is simmered to allow the flavors to blend and intensify. It is traditionally served over pasta, such as spaghetti or tagliatelle, and finished with grated Parmesan cheese on top. This recipe balances the softness of the ground beef with the sweetness of the vegetables and the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a satisfying and comforting dish. It is a popular choice to enjoy at family gatherings or casual dinners, and its delicious flavor and texture make it a favorite of many lovers of Italian cuisine.
Original bolognese pasta
Pasta Bolognese is a classic Italian dish with a rich sauce of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, served over pasta. It's tasty, comforting, and a popular choice to enjoy at family gatherings or casual dinners.
6
Portions30
minute1
hour500
kcalIngredients:
400 grams of Ground meat (can be a mix of beef and pork)
1 unit of Large onion, finely chopped
2 units of Carrots, finely chopped
2 stems of Carrots, finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic, chopped
800 grams of Canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 Cup of Red wine
1/2 Cup of Meat broth
2 Tablespoons of Tomato paste
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of Dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 pinch of Salt and pepper to taste
1 splash of oliva oil
400 grams of Pasta (spaghetti, tagliatelle or another of your preference)
Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Instructions
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon.
- Pour the red wine into the pan and let it evaporate for a few minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, meat broth, tomato paste, sugar, oregano and basil.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook it, the tastier it will become.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted water following package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta on individual plates and cover with the bolognese sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer, juicier flavor. You can also choose to use only one of them if you prefer.
- Vegetable stir-fry: Cook the onions, carrots, celery and garlic until tender and slightly caramelized. This will add more flavor to the bolognese sauce.
- Quality tomatoes: Use good quality canned crushed tomatoes or, if possible, fresh peeled and crushed tomatoes. Good quality tomatoes will provide a more authentic flavor to the sauce.
- Simmer: Simmer the sauce for a long time to allow the flavors to develop and blend. This will make the sauce more flavorful and concentrated.
- Al dente pasta: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning cooked but still firm to the bite. This will allow the pasta to combine perfectly with the sauce and retain a nice texture.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the Bolognese pasta before serving. This will add an extra touch of flavor and complete the dish.
- Variations: If you want to add more flavor and texture to your Bolognese pasta, you can incorporate additional ingredients such as chopped pancetta or bacon, sautéed mushrooms, fresh basil leaves, or a touch of extra red wine.
Bolognese pasta and health benefits
Bolognese pasta may offer some health benefits due to the ingredients used in its preparation. Here are some possible benefits:
- Proteins and amino acids: The meat used in bolognese sauce is a source of proteins, which are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Proteins are also necessary for the formation of enzymes, hormones and antibodies.
- Vitamins and minerals: Bolognese sauce can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, depending on the ingredients used. Tomatoes, for example, are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A, while meat may contain minerals such as iron and zinc.
- Antioxidants: The tomatoes used in bolognese sauce are rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may have beneficial health effects, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Dietary fiber: Served with whole wheat pasta, bolognese sauce can be a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and feeling full.
- Dietary fiber: Served with whole wheat pasta, bolognese sauce can be a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and feeling full.
It is important to note that the quantity and quality of ingredients, as well as portions and overall balance of the diet, are key factors in obtaining health benefits. Remember that Bolognese pasta should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
History of Bolognese Pasta
Pasta Bolognese, known in Italian as “ragù alla bolognese,” is an iconic dish of Italian cuisine that has become popular around the world. Its history dates back to the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy, specifically to the city of Bologna, from which it takes its name.
The original recipe for bolognese sauce is quite old and has evolved over time. Although there are records of minced meat and sauce dishes in the region since the Middle Ages, the modern version of Bolognese sauce took hold in the 19th century.
The original Bolognese sauce recipe is a slow and laborious preparation that uses simple but tasty ingredients. Traditionally, the sauce is made with minced beef, pancetta or bacon, onion, carrot, celery, tomato, red wine, meat broth and milk. The ingredients are simmered for hours to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to reduce to a thick, rich consistency.
Bolognese sauce is traditionally served with tagliatelle, a wide, flat fresh pasta, although it is also common to serve it with spaghetti or other forms of long pasta. It is usually sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
The popularity of bolognese sauce has spread beyond Italy, and today it is a highly prized dish around the world. However, it is important to note that the original recipe for bolognese sauce is quite different from many of the versions found outside of Italy, especially when it comes to the ingredients and method of preparation. The authentic and traditional version of Bolognese sauce is one of Italy's culinary treasures and remains a delight for food lovers.
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Image credit: freepik
