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Nonna’s Original Bolognese

Drive down memory lane into nostalgia with Nonna’s Bolognese, a recipe straight from the heart. Savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of spices simmered to perfection. Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and love, promising a taste that lingers in memory.

Total Time
2 hours
Difficulty
Medium
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Simple & Professional Tasty Recipes

Ingredients for 6 Servings

  • 500g lean ground beef
    1 onion, finely chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
    2 celery stalks, finely diced
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    800g canned crushed tomatoes
    2 tablespoons tomato paste
    1 cup beef stock
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon dried basil
    Salt and black pepper, to taste
    400g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
    Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
    Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Total Time

  • Preparation Time
    20 min
  • Cooking Time
    1 hour 40 min

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Method
    1. Prepare the Sauce:
      In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add diced carrots and celery, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
    2. Cook the Ground Beef:
      Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, ensuring there are no large chunks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
    3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
      Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef stock, stir well, and let the sauce simmer over low heat for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become.
    4. Cook the Pasta:
      Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    5. Serve:
      Spoon the rich Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
    Pro Tips
    • Meat Selection: Use a mix of beef and pork for a more flavorful sauce.
    • Simmering Magic: Letting the sauce simmer for a long time enhances its taste. Consider making it a day ahead for an even richer flavor.
    • Wine Infusion: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine when cooking the sauce.
    • Freezing Option: Bolognese freezes well. Prepare extra and store it in portion-sized containers for quick and easy meals.
    • Meat Mixture: Combine different meats like pork and veal for a complex, flavorful Bolognese.
    • Slow Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat to meld the flavors, enhancing its richness.
    • Enhanced Aromatics: Add a touch of nutmeg for a fragrant depth that elevates the sauce.
    • Perfect Pairings: Serve with fresh tagliatelle pasta and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an authentic experience.

Notes

Calories per Serving:
Approximately 350 kcal per serving. Indulge in the legacy of Nonna’s Bolognese, where every bite carries the essence of cherished family traditions and a timeless culinary heritage.

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