How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese: A Classic Italian Recipe

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese: A Classic Italian Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that’s loved around the world. With its rich, savory sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. This guide will take you through the steps to create an authentic Spaghetti Bolognese, from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting your cooking technique.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 500g ground beef
• 100g pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 2 cans (400g each) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Spaghetti

• 400g spaghetti
• Salt for the pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready:

1. Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Measure out the ground beef and pancetta.
3. Open the cans of chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.

Step 2: Cook the Base

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

1. Add the ground beef and pancetta to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. If using red wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

1. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
2. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, you can let it simmer for up to 2 hours.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well combined.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Simmer for longer: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the richer and more developed the flavors will be.
• Add a splash of milk: Some traditional recipes include a splash of milk or cream to make the sauce even richer.
• Don’t skip the wine: If you can, use red wine for added depth and complexity in the sauce.

Summary

Making Spaghetti Bolognese is a rewarding culinary experience that results in a delicious and hearty meal. With a rich meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow this guide for an authentic taste of Italy right in your own kitchen.