Bolognese sauce, with its rich and hearty texture, is the ultimate comfort food. Slowly simmered to perfection, this traditional Italian sauce blends the sweetness of carrots and celery with the robust flavors of ground meat, garlic, and tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. If using wine, pour it in and simmer until mostly evaporated.
- Stir in the milk and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
- Serve over your favorite pasta, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
