Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe: How to Cook It Like Nonna Did

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Have you ever wanted to make a rich, hearty meat sauce that tastes like it came from an Italian grandmother's kitchen? This Bolognese sauce recipe will show you how to create that magic at home.

This traditional dish from Bologna, Italy, is made with finely chopped vegetables, ground meat, wine, and tomato. When cooked slowly, the ingredients blend to create a smooth and hearty sauce. A real Bolognese sauce recipe takes time, but the taste makes it worth the effort.

If you want to know how to make this classic Italian sauce like Nonna did, you are in the right place. In this article, we will share our Bolognese sauce recipe and tips that you can try at home. We will also talk about how to store the sauce for later use and share some tasty ways to use it.

Follow this easy Bolognese sauce recipe to make this popular meat and tomato sauce at home, like an Italian:

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 carrot, finely chopped

- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 400 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

- 100 ml dry white wine

- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 250 ml whole milk

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sofrito: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook slowly for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. This forms the base of the sauce.

2. Add the Garlic and Meat: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated. This adds depth to your sauce.

4. Add Tomato and Milk: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Simmer Slowly: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta or layer it in lasagna. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Now you know our Bolognese sauce recipe, but there are a few useful tips that will help you get the best results. Here they are:

1. Cook the Sofrito Slowly: Take your time when cooking the onion, carrot, and celery. Let them soften and turn golden for a deep, rich flavor that forms the heart of the sauce.

2. Use Milk for Balance: Adding milk softens the tomato’s acidity and gives your sauce a creamy, smooth texture. It helps create a perfect balance between richness and freshness.

3. Simmer Low and Slow: Allow your sauce to simmer gently for a long time. This slow process lets the meat absorb flavor and the sauce develop its full, deep taste.

4. Don’t Skip the Wine: White wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce. It enhances the flavor of the meat while creating a delicate aroma that feels truly Italian.

5. Stir Occasionally: Stirring prevents the sauce from sticking to the pot and burning. It also helps distribute heat evenly for a smooth, thick texture.

6. Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the sauce rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and deepen, making your first bite even more delicious.

After trying our Bolognese sauce recipe, you may end up with some leftover sauce. Don’t worry, those leftovers can be just as delicious the next day.

If you plan to eat your Bolognese soon, store it in the refrigerator. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can last for up to four days in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat it, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk if it feels too thick.

For longer storage, the freezer is your best friend. Divide the cooled sauce into smaller portions and freeze them in containers or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove until hot.

Many people are looking for the Bolognese sauce recipe to make the famous spaghetti Bolognese. However, this special sauce is actually very versatile. There are many delicious ways to enjoy it in different dishes. Here are some of them:

1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese: The timeless choice, serve your sauce over freshly cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.

2. Lasagna Layers: Use your sauce between pasta sheets with béchamel and mozzarella for a comforting Italian bake.

3. Stuffed Vegetables: Fill bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplants with your Bolognese sauce for a tasty and healthy option.

4. Bolognese Toast: Spread warm sauce on toasted bread and top with cheese for a quick snack.

5. Baked Potatoes: Pour leftover sauce over baked potatoes and sprinkle with grated cheese for a cozy meal.

6. Bolognese Pizza: Use the sauce as a pizza topping with mozzarella and fresh basil for a rich and flavorful twist.

7. Bolognese Risotto: Stir a few spoonfuls into plain risotto for a comforting, meaty flavor.

8. Stuffed Pasta Shells: Fill cooked pasta shells with sauce and cheese, then bake until golden.

9. Bolognese Quesadillas: Spread sauce between tortillas with cheese and toast until crispy for an Italian Mexican fusion.

10. Grilled Cheese with Bolognese: Add sauce to your grilled cheese sandwich for a warm, savory surprise.

With these ideas, your Bolognese sauce recipe will never go to waste. Each dish offers a new way to enjoy the rich, traditional taste of Italy, just like Nonna used to make.