Spaghetti Bolognese

Few dishes evoke comfort and satisfaction quite like Spaghetti Bolognese, an iconic dish that is a staple on tables worldwide. Bolognese originates from Bologna, Italy. However, the original dish which was documented in Pellegrino Artusi cookbook used tagliatelle which is a ribbon-type of pasta to serve the bolognese sauce.

What is the Key to Spaghetti Bolognese?

A classic sofrito is a mix of finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots that form the foundation of Spaghetti Bolognese. When cooked well, it creates a caramelized medley of flavors.

Choose high-quality beef mince. Combining beef mince with another type of mince, such as lamb mince, can add complexity to the sauce; however, this extra measure is optional.

Simmer the ragu sauce. Simmering the sauce allows the flavours to blend and develop into something extraordinary. Use milk or heavy cream to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a creamier tomato sauce.

What is the right pasta to use?

Bolognese sauce is a classic sauce used in many Italian cuisines. This rich and creamy sauce elevates the flavor profile of various meals. Besides choosing Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce for your next romantic dinner meal, here are different types of pasta that pair well with Bolognese sauce: Tagliatelle, Fettucine, and Lasagne.

Tagliatelle’s long, flat shape is perfect for holding the thick, meaty sauce. This pasta shape makes every bite full of tomatoey and meaty flavor, which also has a sensational texture while chewing the pasta. Tagliatelle is the classic pasta served with Bolognese sauce, although Spaghetti or fettuccine are great contenders for being served with Bolognese sauce.

Fettuccine is another popular pasta served with Bolognese sauce. At first glance, it may look like Tagliatelle, but it is slightly thicker and broader than Tagliatelle. 

A lasagne is a flat, wide sheet of pasta containing layers of meat and cheese. These dishes enhance Bolognese sauce’s deep, savoury qualities, allowing its flavours to shine in traditional and inventive ways.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti, Minced beef, Onion, garlic and carrot, Cooking cream and tomato passata, Oregano, basil, nutmeg, salt and pepper, Extra virgin olive oil.

Spaghetti has long, thin strands that are ideal for holding onto the Bolognese sauce. Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, following the instructions on the packet.

It is best to opt for minced meat with a moderate fat content, around 10-15%. Browning the beef will provide the Bolognese with a deep and savoury flavour. The vegetables used provide an aromatic base for the Bolognese sauce. Onions, garlic, and carrots provide the dish with a wholesome taste.

A splash of cooking cream adds richness to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients. The cream also enhances the flavour of the beef. Tomato passata was used and forms the heart of the sauce. Using a high-quality passata sauce with spices will add a deeper and more concentrated taste.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use diced or crushed tomatoes. Bolognese sauce takes some time to cook, so using fresh tomatoes that are grated or blended in a food processor will be fine.

The spices add so much flavour to the Bolognese sauce. Consider using oregano, which will add a bold and earthy flavour. On the other hand, basil is sweet and fragrant. Nutmeg provides a nutty flavour that works with the cream. Salt and pepper are essential.

Instructions

Finely chop the onion into small pieces. Cube or grate the carrots. Some people grate the carrots for a smoother sauce; however, this step is optional. Whether the carrots are cubed or grated will make little difference to the sauce’s flavour.

Add the following spices to a small bowl: ground nutmeg, dried basil, and celery powder (Substitute with fresh celery; one stalk of celery is sufficient for this sauce; cut the celery into small cubes). Preheat a pan and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery (if using fresh).

Sauté for approximately eight minutes; this will ensure the onions become translucent. Next, add the spices and a dash of oyster sauce (Oyster sauce is optional and can be substituted with Worcestershire sauce or Balsamic vinegar). Stir well, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for ten minutes.

Add the beef mince to the sautéed vegetables, and separate the beef mince. Add the beef stock cube and pour in the tomato passata sauce. Stir to combine the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for ten minutes on medium-low heat. Stir the sauce and the ingredients to ensure that the ingredients do not get stuck on the bottom of the pan. [Click for a more detailed recipe on Bolognese sauce]

Begin by boiling a pot of water. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti to the water. Follow the instructions on the packaging and cook until the pasta is al dente.

Why choose Spaghetti pasta for Bolognese sauce?

There are several reasons why Spaghetti perfectly matches bolognese sauce. Spaghetti has long and thin pasta strands, which allow the thick and hearty sauce to cling to the Spaghetti, making every bite full of flavours. The delicious sauce evenly coats the long strands of Spaghetti, creating a balance of taste. Twirling the Spaghetti around a fork coated with Bolognese sauce is a satisfying experience. 

What can you serve with Spaghetti Bolognese?

Several dishes can be served alongside the Spaghetti Bolognese sauce. If you want more vegetables in your diet, consider an easy green salad, or for a more crunchy experience, this cucumber salad will be both refreshing and delicious. Other choices for salad include a Caprese salad, which is in keeping with the Italian theme. And for something different but with a tangy flavour, consider a Greek salad or Citrus Salad.