Spaghetti Bolognese recipe one-day class

Today, I’ll guide you through a Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that’s loved all around the world and easy to recreate at home, especially for those new to cooking. This traditional Italian dish, featuring rich meat sauce and spaghetti, is perfect not just for special occasions but also as a delicious everyday meal. The ingredients and steps are straightforward, making this a go-to recipe for anyone. Below, I’ve broken down the process, including some tips to enhance the flavor.

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• Spaghetti: 400g
• Ground beef: 300g (You can also substitute with ground pork or chicken)
• Onion: 1 (finely chopped)
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Carrot: 1 (finely chopped)
• Celery: 1 stalk (finely chopped)
• Tomato sauce: 400g (or use canned crushed tomatoes)
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Dried herbs: 1 teaspoon each of basil and oregano (optional)
• Red wine: 100ml (optional, can be substituted with broth)
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Parmesan cheese: (optional, grated)
• Fresh basil leaves: (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the spaghetti until it's al dente (firm to the bite). This typically takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the brand. Drain the pasta, and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Adding a pinch of salt at this stage helps soften the onion more quickly.
   • Next, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and drain off any excess fat for a cleaner sauce.
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Once the meat is browned, stir in the finely chopped carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until they soften slightly. These vegetables add a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
4. Add Tomato Sauce:
   • Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the tomato paste for a richer flavor. Optionally, you can add dried herbs like basil or oregano at this point. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Incorporate Red Wine (Optional):
   • For an added layer of complexity, pour in the red wine and let it simmer until most of the alcohol evaporates. This will enhance the overall richness of the sauce, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to skip this step or substitute it with vegetable broth.
6. Season and Adjust:
   • Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your liking. If it becomes too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of water or reserved pasta cooking water.
7. Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss everything together so that the pasta absorbs the flavors. Allow the mixture to cook together for another 2-3 minutes over low heat.
8. Plate and Serve:
   • Serve the spaghetti bolognese hot on a plate and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves, if desired. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for added heat.

Extra Tips

1. Developing the Sauce's Flavor:
   • The longer you simmer the Bolognese sauce, the more the flavors meld together. If time allows, simmer the sauce for at least an hour to achieve a rich, robust taste. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up.
2. Meat Substitutes:
   • You can substitute ground beef with other proteins such as pork, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. If using plant-based options, adjust the cooking time accordingly since they tend to cook faster than traditional meat.
3. Choosing the Pasta:
   • While spaghetti is the most common pairing with Bolognese sauce, you can also experiment with other types of pasta such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne. Each type of pasta brings a unique texture and mouthfeel to the dish.
4. Toppings and Garnishes:
   • In addition to Parmesan and basil, you can also try adding chili flakes for a bit of heat or even a drizzle of truffle oil for a more gourmet touch.
5. Storage and Reuse:
   • Bolognese sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can make a large batch and freeze portions for future use. This sauce also works wonderfully in lasagna or as a topping for baked potatoes.

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Spaghetti Bolognese is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed at family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a quick weekday meal. The combination of rich meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta is a crowd-pleaser, and by following these steps, you’ll be able to create a satisfying meal for any occasion.