Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce
Description:
This Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce recipe, inspired by Food & Wine Magazine, is hands-down the best bolognese sauce you’ll ever taste. While the preparation may seem time-consuming, the rich flavors and hearty texture make every minute worth it. This recipe yields a large batch, making it perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply when you want leftovers for the week. It combines the depth of slow-cooked meats and fresh ingredients, offering a satisfying and comforting meal.
Recipe Category: Spaghetti
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (45 minutes prep time, 2 hours cook time)
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Pancetta (diced) | 3 oz |
| Carrot (peeled and diced) | 1 large |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Celery rib (diced) | 1 stalk |
| Ground pork | 1 lb |
| Mortadella (diced) | 1/4 lb |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Dry white wine | 1 cup |
| Whole tomatoes (canned) | 1 (28 oz can) |
| Chicken stock | 1 1/2 cups |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Spaghetti | 1 lb |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 834.4 kcal |
| Fat Content | 36.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 149.5 mg |
| Sodium | 401.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 68.6 g |
| Fiber | 5.1 g |
| Sugar | 7.2 g |
| Protein | 49.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Sauté Vegetables and Meat:
In a large pan, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil over moderate low heat. Add the minced garlic, diced pancetta, carrot, onion, and celery. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the onion turns golden and the vegetables soften. -
Cook the Meats:
Increase the heat to moderate and add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is browned and no pink remains, which should take about 8 minutes. -
Add Mortadella and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the diced mortadella and the tomato paste, and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken and the flavors to deepen. -
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the dry white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook down for about 3 minutes, until it’s reduced by half. -
Simmer the Sauce:
Add the whole tomatoes (with their juices), chicken stock, ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally. The sauce should become very thick and flavorful. -
Prepare the Spaghetti:
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. -
Finish the Sauce:
Stir the heavy cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of chopped basil into the bolognese sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add 2 cups of the sauce to the cooked spaghetti, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly. Transfer the spaghetti to a large serving bowl and top with the remaining sauce. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a light red. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Additional Tips:
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen and develop even more as it sits, making it ideal for meal prepping.
- Storage: For longer storage, freeze the bolognese sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Meat Variations: While this recipe calls for a combination of ground pork and beef, feel free to experiment with other meats such as veal or lamb for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Wine Pairing: For a wine pairing, try a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Barbera. The acidity in the wine helps to balance the richness of the sauce.
This rich and savory Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce will quickly become a staple in your home, thanks to its hearty, satisfying flavors and versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress.
