Pasta

The best spaghetti bolognese Classic recipe

Indulge in our best ever spaghetti bolognese, a delicious and authentic Italian dish featuring a flavorful, meaty chili sauce. This pasta bolognese recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation.

The Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe: A True Italian Classic

Nutrition Info 

kcalfatsaturatescarbssugarsfibreproteinsalt
62425g10g58g12g6g35g1.6g

How to Elevate Your Spaghetti Bolognese

A classic spaghetti bolognese is a timeless dish, but there are a few tricks to elevate it to new heights. Here are some tips to enhance the flavor and texture of your bolognese:

1. Quality Ingredients:

  • Meat: Opt for a blend of meats, such as beef, pork, and veal, for a richer flavor.
  • Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes or a high-quality canned crushed tomato product.
  • Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni or penne that can hold the sauce well.

2. Slow Cooking:

  • Low and Slow: Cook the sauce over low heat for a longer period to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
  • Simmering: Simmering the sauce uncovered allows excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

3. Flavor Boosters:

  • Aromatic Vegetables: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Herbs and Spices: Add a combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, as well as a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Wine: A splash of red wine can add depth and complexity to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce and Soy Sauce: These ingredients can add a savory, umami flavor, especially when using beef mince.

4. Pasta Cooking:

  • Al Dente: Cook the pasta to al dente, meaning it should be tender but still firm to the bite.
  • Sauce Coating: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce to ensure each strand is evenly coated.

By following these tips, you can create a truly exceptional spaghetti bolognese that will impress your family and friends.

The Secret to the Best Spaghetti

While the ingredients for a simple spaghetti dish are straightforward, the secret to truly exceptional spaghetti lies in a few key techniques:

1. Quality Pasta:

  • Choose Wisely: Opt for high-quality durum wheat pasta. It holds its shape well and has a satisfying bite.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should be tender but still firm to the bite.

2. Plentiful, Salty Water:

  • Generous Salt: Use plenty of salt in the cooking water. The pasta will absorb the salt, enhancing its flavor.
  • Adequate Water: Ensure there’s enough water to cover the pasta completely, preventing it from sticking together.

3. The Perfect Sauce:

  • Simple is Best: A classic tomato sauce, aglio e olio, or a creamy carbonara can elevate your spaghetti.
  • Balance of Flavors: A well-balanced sauce with the right amount of acidity, saltiness, and richness is key.

4. Proper Pasta-Sauce Ratio:

  • Sauce to Pasta: The ideal ratio is about 1:1. However, adjust to your preference.
  • Coat the Pasta: Toss the pasta with the sauce to ensure every strand is evenly coated.

5. Timing is Everything:

  • Cook and Drain: Cook the pasta until al dente and drain immediately.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta water to add to the sauce for extra creaminess.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp of olive oil .
  • 4 rashers of finely chopped smoked streaky bacon .
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped .
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped .
  • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped .
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped .
  • 2-3 sprigs of rosemary leaves, finely chopped .
  • 500g of beef mince .

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes .
  • Small pack of basil leaves, finely chopped .
  • 1 tsp of dried oregano .
  • 2 fresh bay leaves .
  • 2 tbsp of tomato purée .
  • 1 beef stock cube .
  • 1 deseeded and finely chopped red chili (optional) .
  • 125ml of red wine .
  • 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half .

To Season and Serve:

  • 75g of grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving .
  • 400g of spaghetti .
  • Crusty bread for serving (optional) .
The Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe: A True Italian Classic

Instructions :

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped bacon rashers and fry for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
  3. Reduce the heat and add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and rosemary, finely chopped. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef mince, and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
  5. Add plum tomatoes, chopped basil, oregano, bay leaves, tomato purée, beef stock cube, red chili, red wine, and cherry tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Stir in the grated parmesan, adjust the seasoning, and mix well.
  8. While the bolognese is cooking, prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  9. Drain the spaghetti and either mix it into the bolognese sauce or serve the sauce on top. Garnish with more parmesan, basil leaves, and crusty bread if desired.
The Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe: A True Italian Classic

Enjoy the ultimate spaghetti bolognese, a truly remarkable and satisfying meal that will impress your taste buds.

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