Introduction
Indulging in a classic Italian dish like spaghetti Bolognese brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With a rich blend of flavors from smoked bacon, hearty minced meat, and a medley of vegetables, this recipe is not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a gathering with friends, this Bolognese sauce is sure to impress.
Ingredients
2 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, preferably free-range or organic
2 medium onions
2 cloves of garlic
2 carrots
2 sticks of celery
Olive oil
2 heaped teaspoons dried oregano
500g good-quality minced beef, pork, or a mixture of the two
2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
A small bunch of fresh basil
100g Parmesan cheese
400-500g dried spaghetti or penne
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Finely slice the bacon. Peel and finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Place a large pan on medium to high heat. Add 2 lugs of olive oil, the sliced bacon, and oregano. Cook and stir until the bacon is lightly golden.
3. Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir every 30 seconds for around 7 minutes or until softened and lightly colored.
4. Stir in the minced meat and the tinned tomatoes. Fill one of the empty tins with water and add to the pan.
5. Stir in a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pick the basil leaves and place them in the fridge for later. Finely chop the basil stalks and stir into the pan.
6. Bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer with a lid on and slightly askew for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove the lid and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to dry out, add a splash of water.
8. Remove the Bolognese sauce from the heat. Finely grate the Parmesan and stir half into the sauce. Tear and stir in any larger basil leaves, keeping the smaller ones for serving.
9. Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
10. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente.
11. Saving a little of the cooking water, drain the pasta in a colander.
12. Put the drained pasta back into the pan. Add half the Bolognese sauce to the cooked pasta and mix well, adding a little of the reserved cooking water to loosen if necessary.
13. Divide between plates and spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle over the rest of the Parmesan, and scatter with the small basil leaves.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Finely slice the bacon. Peel and finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place a large pan on medium to high heat. Add 2 lugs of olive oil, the sliced bacon, and oregano. Cook and stir until the bacon is lightly golden.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir every 30 seconds for around 7 minutes or until softened and lightly colored.
Step 4: Incorporate the Meat and Tomatoes
Stir in the minced meat and the tinned tomatoes. Fill one of the empty tins with water and add to the pan.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
Stir in a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pick the basil leaves and place them in the fridge for later. Finely chop the basil stalks and stir into the pan.
Step 6: Bring to Boil
Bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer with a lid on and slightly askew for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Reduce the Sauce
Remove the lid and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to dry out, add a splash of water.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Remove the Bolognese sauce from the heat. Finely grate the Parmesan and stir half into the sauce. Tear and stir in any larger basil leaves, keeping the smaller ones for serving.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 10: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente.
Step 11: Drain the Pasta
Saving a little of the cooking water, drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 12: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Put the drained pasta back into the pan. Add half the Bolognese sauce to the cooked pasta and mix well, adding a little of the reserved cooking water to loosen if necessary.
Step 13: Serve the Dish
Divide between plates and spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle over the rest of the Parmesan, and scatter with the small basil leaves.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
Using good-quality ingredients, especially the meat and tomatoes, will significantly improve the flavor of the dish.
Cooking Time
Ensure to adhere to the cooking times for the best texture and flavor development in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Slicing Ingredients
Finely slice the bacon and chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to enhance the flavors and ensure even cooking.
Cooking Meat
Cook the sliced bacon over medium to high heat until lightly golden, then add minced meat to brown, which adds depth to the sauce.
Vegetable Sautéing
Add chopped vegetables to the pan, stirring every 30 seconds until softened and lightly colored, which infuses the sauce with sweetness.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer with the lid slightly askew for rich flavor development.
Finishing the Sauce
Stir in grated Parmesan and larger basil leaves before serving, which enriches the sauce and adds a fresh herbaceous note.
Cooking Pasta
Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente to ensure a perfect texture that holds up when mixed with the sauce.
Mixing Pasta and Sauce
Combine pasta with half the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved cooking water to achieve a desirable consistency before serving.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any combination of minced beef, pork, or other meats according to your preference.
What should I do if the sauce is too dry during cooking?
If the sauce starts to dry out, simply add a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Is it necessary to use fresh basil?
While fresh basil adds a wonderful flavor, you can use dried basil if needed, but the fresh variety is recommended for the best taste.
How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
Consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the meat or additional herbs like thyme for extra depth.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based mince, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.
What type of pasta works best for this sauce?
Spaghetti and penne are both great options, as they hold the sauce well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Conclusion
The combination of smoked bacon, fresh vegetables, and quality meat creates a rich and savory Bolognese sauce that is sure to impress. Paired with pasta, this dish not only delights the palate but also offers a comforting and satisfying meal. The addition of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese elevates the flavors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Remember to take time to simmer the sauce to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a delicious homemade dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Bolognese
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the minced meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms. Add a variety of seasonal vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Replace the Bolognese sauce with a creamy carbonara sauce made with eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon. Serve with freshly cracked black pepper for an Italian classic.
Baked Pasta Casserole
Combine the Bolognese sauce with cooked pasta and place in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole.
Chili Con Carne
Use the same base ingredients but adjust the spices to create a spicy chili con carne. Add kidney beans and serve with rice or tortilla chips for a hearty meal.
Pasta Primavera
Create a lighter pasta dish by using the chopped vegetables along with a garlic and olive oil dressing. Toss with cooked pasta and fresh herbs for a vibrant option.
