Homemade Ragu Bolognese Recipe
Ragu Bolognese Recipe :
Introduction:
Ragu Bolognese is a classic Italian meat sauce that's hearty, rich, and incredibly flavorful. It's the perfect comfort food, and making it from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience. In this step-by-step recipe, we'll guide you through creating a delicious Ragu Bolognese that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Italy!
Ingredients:
For the Ragu:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
-1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
- 1 can (28 ounces or 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (such as tagliatelle or fettuccine)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef and pork to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Cook the meat until it's browned and no longer pink, ensuring it's crumbled into small pieces.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine (Optional) - Pour in the red wine, if using, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces by half. This step adds complexity to the sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer - Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, combining them with the meat and vegetables. - Add the bay leaf, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Milk - Pour in the whole milk and continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, until it thickens and becomes velvety in texture. - Remove the bay leaf.
Step 6: Serve - Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain. - Serve the Ragu Bolognese over the cooked pasta. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Conclusion: This homemade Ragu Bolognese recipe is a labor of love that results in a rich, savory sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta. The blend of ground beef and pork, combined with aromatic vegetables and the addition of milk, creates a depth of flavor that's truly satisfying. Whether you're enjoying it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this classic Italian dish is sure to become a family favorite. Buon appetito!
Conclusion: This homemade Ragu Bolognese recipe is a labor of love that results in a rich, savory sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta. The blend of ground beef and pork, combined with aromatic vegetables and the addition of milk, creates a depth of flavor that's truly satisfying. Whether you're enjoying it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this classic Italian dish is sure to become a family favorite. Buon appetito!
