Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves (or 2 tsp dried basil)
• 400g (14oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 500g (17oz) tomato passata (crushed tomatoes)
• 250ml (1 cup) water
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 450g (1lb) ground beef (extra lean)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 450g (1lb) spaghetti

Directions:

1. In a large frying pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for about 10 minutes without letting the vegetables brown.
2. Add ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
3. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato passata, and water. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sprinkle in the oregano and torn basil leaves (reserve a few for garnish).
4. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer with the lid ajar for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. When the Bolognese sauce is nearly done, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain the pasta 2 minutes earlier than instructed, as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce.
6. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce. Garnish with reserved basil leaves and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 414 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The Classic Story of Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese, often simply called “spag bol” in the UK, is a dish that has transcended its humble Italian roots to become a global favorite. Despite its universal appeal, there’s a bit of irony in its origin. Though often associated with Italy, especially the city of Bologna, this specific combination of spaghetti and meat sauce isn’t typically found in Italian cuisine. In Bologna, the traditional meat sauce, or “Ragù alla Bolognese,” is served with tagliatelle, a thicker and broader pasta, which better captures the rich, meaty sauce.

The Italian city of Bologna is known for its hearty and savory dishes, often based on meat and rich flavors. The sauce itself, Bolognese, has a history dating back to the 18th century, evolving over time to become the slow-cooked masterpiece we know today. While Italian cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple techniques, Bolognese sauce is distinct for its lengthy cooking process, allowing the flavors to develop and meld beautifully.

Why Spaghetti Bolognese is a Beloved Favorite

1. Versatility and Comfort:
Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food. It brings together familiar and simple ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta, all of which are pantry staples. The flavors are universally appealing – the sweetness of tomatoes, the savory depth of meat, and the aromatic herbs make it a warm and comforting dish.

2. Easy to Make and Economical:
This recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. It does not require fancy techniques or equipment. It’s also budget-friendly, utilizing economical ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and simple vegetables. A little goes a long way with Bolognese; the sauce can easily be made in bulk, stored, and reheated, making it ideal for batch cooking or meal prep.

3. Nutritious and Balanced:
This dish is packed with nutrients from a variety of sources. The lean ground beef provides protein and iron, the tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, and the carrots and celery add fiber and vitamins A and K. Together, they make for a well-balanced meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the body’s nutritional needs.

4. A Slow-Cooked Delight for Deep Flavors:
The hallmark of a great Bolognese sauce is the slow-cooking process. Allowing the sauce to simmer over low heat for several hours gives time for the flavors to deepen and blend. The result is a sauce that’s robust and savory, with the natural sweetness of the tomatoes balancing the umami of the meat. It’s this depth of flavor that makes Bolognese so beloved worldwide – a truly authentic taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bolognese

• Use Quality Ingredients: While the recipe is simple, quality makes a difference. Use ripe canned tomatoes or high-quality passata, fresh basil, and lean ground beef for the best flavor.
• The Sofrito Base: The foundation of the sauce – onions, carrots, celery, and garlic – is key. The vegetables are sautéed gently until soft, creating a flavorful base for the sauce. If you’re short on time, a food processor can quickly chop the vegetables to a smooth consistency, which not only saves time but also adds body to the sauce.
• Allow Time to Simmer: While you could cook the sauce in under an hour, the magic of Bolognese comes from letting it simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken and for the flavors to meld, creating a rich, velvety texture.

Ways to Serve and Enjoy Bolognese

1. Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese:
The most common way to enjoy Bolognese sauce is with spaghetti, the long, thin pasta that’s a favorite around the world. But the Italians often serve Bolognese with wider pasta shapes like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle, which hold the sauce better and offer a more authentic experience.

2. Add Some Parmesan Cheese:
Bolognese pairs beautifully with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a hint of saltiness and enhances the savory depth of the dish. For an extra twist, you can also use Pecorino Romano, which has a slightly sharper taste.

3. Pair with Sides:
Complete your Italian feast with a side of Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil) or a green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. A slice of warm, crusty bread, like sourdough focaccia, can be used to soak up any leftover sauce, making sure none of that delicious flavor goes to waste.

Health Benefi tts ofhe Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese is not just a crowd-pleaser; it can be part of a balanced diet when made with wholesome ingredients. The protein in the ground beef helps build and repair muscles, the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, and the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which are good for heart health and reducing inflammation. By using whole wheat spaghetti, you can boost the fiber content, making the dish more filling and promoting better digestion.

Variations and Tweaks

1. Mixed Meat Bolognese:
While the traditional recipe uses only ground beef, a blend of ground beef and pork is also delicious. Pork adds a touch of sweetness and a more tender texture to the sauce. You can also experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

2. Vegetarian/Vegan Bolognese:
For a meat-free alternative, swap out the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor and chewy texture that mimics the meat, while lentils provide protein and make the sauce hearty and filling.

3. Add Wine for Extra Depth:
For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine after sautéing the vegetables and meat. Allow the wine to cook off before adding the tomatoes. The wine’s acidity will balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and enhance the sauce’s depth.

Leftover Ideas and Storage Tips

1. Storage:
Bolognese sauce stores brilliantly and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store the sauce and pasta separately to maintain the best texture.

2. Reheating Tips:
When reheating the sauce, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water to loosen it if necessary. This gentle reheating will preserve the sauce’s texture and flavor better than a microwave.

3. Creative Ways to Use Leftover Bolognese:

• Stuffed Peppers or Zucchini: Use the sauce to fill bell peppers or zucchini halves, top with cheese, and bake until tender.
• Bolognese Lasagna: Layer the sauce with lasagna noodles, béchamel sauce, and cheese for a delicious twist on a classic.
• Bolognese on Baked Potatoes: Spoon the sauce over baked potatoes, top with grated cheese, and broil for a few minutes for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a delicious meal with loved ones. The process of slow-cooking the sauce, letting the rich aroma fill the kitchen, and finally serving it over a heap of pasta creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, mastering the art of making a great Bolognese sauce is something that will serve you well for years to come. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, its flavors, and its ability to bring a taste of Italy to your home.