Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese magic is here

Whether you need a quick breakfast or a filling noon meal, this Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is your culinary shortcut to excellence. It’s simple to make and offers the convenience of a one-pot marvel. The thick Bolognese sauce, a Savory meat-based pasta sauce with roots in the lovely city of Bologna, Italy, lies at its core. Ready to greet this dish as an appreciated classic, something you’ll naturally gravitate toward due to its unmatched flavor and ease of preparation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6 minutes

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound (450g) ground meat (or a mix of meat and pork)
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 carrot, finely diced
5. 1 celery stalk, finely diced
6. 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
7. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
8. 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
9. 2 teaspoons dried oregano
10. 1 teaspoon dried basil
11. Salt and black pepper, to taste
12. 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
13. 2 tablespoons olive oil
14. 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
15. Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
16. Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Begin by placing a generous pot of water on the stove. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Submerge the spaghetti into the boiling water and follow the instructions on the package, cooking it until it’s delightfully tender but still retains a slight firmness. Once done, carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to mingle with the flavourful sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to crumble it evenly.

Step 4: Tomato Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine (if using). Mix well.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tastes blend well as a result.

Step 6: Time to Savor

Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for. Ladle that flavourful Bolognese sauce generously onto your perfectly cooked spaghetti. If you fancy a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. And don’t overlook the grated Parmesan cheese – have it ready to share at the table. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Step 7: Enjoy

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Spaghetti Bolognese recipe video:

Chef’s Tips:

• For a vegetarian twist, replace the ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms for a delicious mushroom Bolognese.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a hand blender or food processor to puree the sauce before serving.
• Leftover Bolognese sauce freezes well for future quick and delicious meals.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition information for the Spaghetti Bolognese:

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Spaghetti Bolognese:

Storage:

• Allow the Spaghetti Bolognese to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
• Divide the leftover Bolognese sauce and cooked spaghetti into airtight containers.
• Store the sauce and pasta separately to maintain the pasta’s texture.
• Refrigerate the sauce and pasta within 2 hours of cooking.
• Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.

Refrigeration Duration:

• Enjoy the leftovers from the fridge within 3 to 4 days for the freshest and tastiest experience.

Freezing:

• For longer storage, consider freezing the Bolognese sauce separately.
• When freezing, opt for containers that are safe for the freezer and be sure to leave a bit of room for expansion.
• Frozen Bolognese sauce can last up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to use it, simply let the sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat Instructions:

Reheating Sauce:

• Transfer the refrigerated or thawed Bolognese sauce to a saucepan.
• Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
• Ensure the sauce reaches a steaming temperature before serving.

Reheating Pasta:

• For reheating cooked spaghetti, bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Submerge the spaghetti for a brief moment, stirring gently until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave the pasta with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

Combining Sauce and Pasta:

• Once both the sauce and pasta are reheated, combine them in a skillet or microwave-safe dish.
• Heat together briefly until the desired temperature is reached.

Chef’s Note:

• Before reheating, assess the sauce’s consistency; if it has thickened, add a bit of broth, tomato sauce, or water to achieve the preferred thickness.
• Adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Enjoy your reheated Spaghetti Bolognese, and savor the delicious flavors once again.

FAQ’s

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