Spaghetti bolognese

Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is an Italian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. It consists of spaghetti, topped with a meaty sauce cooked with tomatoes and spices. This recipe will allow you to prepare the true taste of Italy in the cozy atmosphere of your kitchen.

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients

• 350g spaghetti
• 300g minced meat (beef and pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (400g) tomatoes in juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley and parmesan for garnish (optional)

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente, following the instructions on the package. Then drain them.
2. In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and tomatoes in juice, slightly crush them with a fork to give the sauce a chunkier texture.
6. Add sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes.
7. Serve spaghetti with the hot meat sauce on top. Optionally, sprinkle with parmesan and fresh parsley.

Tips

• For an authentic taste, use a combination of beef and pork for the minced meat.
• To enhance the flavor of the sauce, simmer it over low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld.
• If you find the sauce too acidic, add a little sugar to balance it out.
• Instead of tomato sauce, you can use tomato paste or ketchup for a quick fix.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a more vibrant aroma.
• Cook the spaghetti al dente so they remain firm and pair well with the meaty sauce.
• If you want to intensify the garlic flavor, add it to the sauce in the final minutes of cooking.
• Parmesan is a great topping for spaghetti Bolognese, but you can use any cheese of your choice.
• Bolognese sauce is often made ahead and stored in the freezer for quick future meals.
• Serve spaghetti Bolognese with a side of fresh bread or salad for a balanced dinner.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooked spaghetti will be mushy and sticky. Cook them only until al dente.
• Undercooked onions and garlic can give the sauce a raw taste.
• Using low-quality minced meat can make the dish less flavorful.
• Oversalting can ruin the taste of the sauce. Remember that raw minced meat already contains salt.
• Too short a simmering time for the sauce will not allow the ingredients to fully combine.
• Neglecting the quality of tomatoes can affect the taste of the sauce.
• Forgetting to add spices and herbs can make the sauce bland.
• Too much sugar can make the sauce overly sweet.
• Prolonged simmering without stirring can cause the sauce to burn.
• Not using fresh parsley and parmesan for garnish may miss the opportunity to add extra aroma and flavor to the dish.

Fun Fact

Spaghetti Bolognese, though a popular dish worldwide, actually has Italian origins and is an adapted version of the classic Bolognese ragu, which is prepared in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.