Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce

Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce

Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce, or “ragù alla Bolognese,” is a rich and hearty Italian meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. It’s a staple of Italian cuisine, often paired with tagliatelle, lasagna, or other types of pasta. The hallmark of an authentic Bolognese is its slow-cooked depth of flavor, achieved through a perfect blend of meat, vegetables, wine, and milk. This recipe will guide you through creating an authentic Bolognese sauce that brings the taste of Italy right to your table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bolognese sauce:

Meat and Vegetables:
  • Ground beef (80% lean): 1 pound
  • Ground pork: ½ pound
  • Pancetta (finely diced): 4 ounces
  • Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
  • Carrot (finely chopped): 1 medium
  • Celery (finely chopped): 1 stalk
Liquids:
  • Dry white wine: 1 cup
  • Whole milk: 1 cup
  • Crushed tomatoes (canned): 28 ounces
Seasoning:
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black pepper: To taste
  • Nutmeg (optional): A pinch
Garnish and Accompaniments:
  • Parmesan cheese (grated): As desired
  • Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish
  • Pasta (e.g., tagliatelle): Cooked according to package instructions

Preparation

Step1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Dice the pancetta into small pieces.
  2. Gather and measure all the remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Step2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step3: Brown the Meats
  1. Add the pancetta to the pot and cook until it starts to render its fat, about 3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the ground beef and pork, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 10 minutes.
Step4: Deglaze with Wine
  1. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  2. Let the wine simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
Step5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix well.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step6: Add Milk and Season
  1. Gradually stir in the milk, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
  2. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  3. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Variations
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Creamy Finish: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream at the end for an extra creamy texture.
Cooking Note
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.
  • Avoid rushing the simmering process, as slow cooking is key to developing authentic flavor.
  • Always taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
  • Serve the Bolognese sauce over fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta for a traditional pairing.
  • Use it as a filling for homemade lasagna layers.
  • Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil.
Tips
  1. For a smoother texture, you can pulse the cooked vegetables in a food processor before adding the meat.
  2. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef or chicken stock.
  3. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time:

2 hours 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 23g

FAQs

1. Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Yes, red wine adds a deeper, more robust flavor to the sauce, but it may slightly alter the traditional taste.

2. Do I need to use milk?
Milk helps tenderize the meat and balances the acidity of the tomatoes, contributing to the sauce’s creamy consistency.

3. What’s the best pasta to serve with Bolognese?
Tagliatelle or pappardelle are the traditional choices, but any wide, flat pasta works well to hold the hearty sauce.

4. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavor develops further when the sauce is refrigerated and reheated.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.

Conclusion

Authentic Italian Bolognese sauce is a labor of love that rewards you with rich, hearty flavors. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a filling for savory pastries, this sauce will transport you to Italy with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, following this detailed recipe ensures a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that your family and friends will adore.

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Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce

Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bolognese sauce:

Meat and Vegetables:
  • Ground beef (80% lean): 1 pound
  • Ground pork: ½ pound
  • Pancetta (finely diced): 4 ounces
  • Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
  • Carrot (finely chopped): 1 medium
  • Celery (finely chopped): 1 stalk
Liquids:
  • Dry white wine: 1 cup
  • Whole milk: 1 cup
  • Crushed tomatoes (canned): 28 ounces
Seasoning:
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black pepper: To taste
  • Nutmeg (optional): A pinch
Garnish and Accompaniments:
  • Parmesan cheese (grated): As desired
  • Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish
  • Pasta (e.g., tagliatelle): Cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

Preparation

Step1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Dice the pancetta into small pieces.
  2. Gather and measure all the remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Step2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step3: Brown the Meats
  1. Add the pancetta to the pot and cook until it starts to render its fat, about 3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the ground beef and pork, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 10 minutes.
Step4: Deglaze with Wine
  1. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  2. Let the wine simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
Step5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix well.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step6: Add Milk and Season
  1. Gradually stir in the milk, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
  2. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  3. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Notes

Cooking Note
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.
  • Avoid rushing the simmering process, as slow cooking is key to developing authentic flavor.
  • Always taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Protein: 18g