Real Italian Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that is made with ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs. It is a hearty and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even just a bowl of bread.

The origins of Bolognese sauce are a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in the city of Bologna, Italy. The first known recipe for Bolognese sauce was published in a cookbook in 1891. The recipe called for ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs, and it is essentially the same recipe that is used today.

Bolognese sauce is a labor-intensive dish that takes several hours to make. However, the effort is worth it, as the sauce is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The key to making a good Bolognese sauce is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the sauce slowly over low heat.

Here is a recipe for real Italian Bolognese sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup red wine

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.

2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve the sauce over pasta, lasagna, or with bread.

Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of the ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.

• Cook the sauce slowly over low heat. This will allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.

• Don't overcook the sauce. The sauce should be slightly saucy, not dry.

• Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta or bread.

Enjoy!

Here are some additional tips and tricks for making the best Bolognese sauce:

• Use a combination of ground beef and pork. This will give the sauce a richer flavor.

• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. This will add a touch of acidity that will balance out the richness of the sauce.

• Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Fresh herbs will add a more vibrant flavor to the sauce.

• Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. You can add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Bolognese sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is the perfect dish for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. So next time you're looking for a delicious and hearty meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!