Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
4. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the alcohol has evaporated.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1-2 hours
5. Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing vegetables and browning meat; low heat for simmering the sauce.
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 500mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or pork can be used instead of ground beef.
- White wine or beef broth can be substituted for the red wine.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
Variations:
- Add diced pancetta or bacon to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for a traditional Bolognese sauce.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the sauce for a vegetarian option.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef as it cooks.
- Stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Pairings:
Serve the Bolognese sauce with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad and garlic bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for longer to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator or freezer promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Bolognese sauce originated in the city of Bologna, Italy. It is a meat-based sauce typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and red wine.
Flavor profiles:
The Bolognese sauce is savory, rich, and slightly sweet from the tomatoes and red wine.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
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Region: Italian