Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Description: 🍝 Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this authentic spaghetti bolognese recipe, originating from the kitchens of Mallorca and passed down through generations. Savory, aromatic, and oh-so-comforting, it’s the epitome of Italian home cooking, bringing together the richness of beef, the sweetness of vegetables, and the tang of red wine in a symphony of flavors.
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Spaghetti
Keywords: Meat, European, Very Low Carbs, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 534.3
- Fat Content: 38.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 120.9mg
- Sodium Content: 513.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 11.6g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 5.8g
- Protein Content: 29.8g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Butter |
| 1 | Olive oil |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 2 | Celery stalks |
| 1 | Onion |
| 4 | Slices of streaky bacon |
| 1 | Hamburger |
| 1 | Pound of ground beef |
| 2 | Tomatoes |
| – | Bay leaves |
| – | Salt |
| – | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 2 | Cloves of garlic |
| 4 | Mushrooms |
| 1/4 | Cup of red wine |
| 1 | Tablespoon of tomato puree |
| 2 | Sprigs of thyme |
| 3/4 | Teaspoon of oregano |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base: In a large pan suitable for covering, gently melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped carrot, onion, celery, bacon, and bay leaves to the pan. Cook gently until the vegetables turn golden and the bacon starts to crisp.
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Cook the Meat: Introduce the minced steak and garlic to the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, ensuring it’s thoroughly browned and aromatic.
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Infuse with Wine: Pour in the red wine, allowing it to simmer until it reduces slightly. This step deepens the flavors of the dish.
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Enhance with Herbs: Add the sliced mushrooms, thyme, and oregano to the pan. Stir well to incorporate, letting the herbs infuse their essence into the sauce.
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Create the Base Sauce: In a separate bowl, blend the tomato puree with beef stock until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan along with the diced tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine.
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Simmer Slowly: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally. The secret to the dish’s depth of flavor lies in the slow melding of ingredients.
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Adjust Consistency: As the sauce simmers, monitor its thickness. If it begins to thicken too much, add more liquid, either wine or water, to maintain a rich, velvety texture.
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Final Touch: After two hours of simmering, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the bay leaves. Stir in two tablespoons of cream to add a luxurious silkiness to the sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the rich bolognese sauce over hot, cooked pasta or spaghetti. Accompany it with freshly baked garlic bread for a truly indulgent experience. Don’t forget to sprinkle generously with grated cheese before serving.
Notes: For a truly authentic experience, allow the sauce to simmer for even longer, if possible. The extended cooking time intensifies the flavors and results in a more complex and satisfying dish. Additionally, feel free to adjust the seasoning and herb quantities to suit your personal taste preferences.
