1 Ingredient That Makes the Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

There’s no denying that a good Spaghetti Bolognese is greater than the sum of its parts. Yet, there’s one secret ingredient that stands out from the rest. This humble addition, though often overlooked, has the power to catapult your Bolognese from good to bellissimo! Can you guess it? It’s a classic staple in the Italian pantry – red wine! 🍷

Red Wine: The Key to Flavor Town

Red wine – it’s not just for toasting! In the culinary world, it’s a magical elixir that can transform the ordinary into extraordinary. When simmered gently in the Bolognese sauce, it lends a richness and depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. And no, it doesn’t leave the sauce boozy; the alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a sophisticated, hearty flavor that’s simply sublime.👌

Tip: Choose a good quality, full-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a Chianti for the best flavor profile.

Pasta-Prep: The Saucy Details

Now, let’s talk pasta! When it comes to spaghetti, ensure it’s cooked al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. This will provide a delightful textural contrast to the rich, simmered Bolognese sauce. Remember, it’s not just a meal, it’s a culinary symphony! 🎶

Tip: To achieve perfect al dente pasta, simply subtract one minute from the packet’s suggested cooking time.

Marrying the Pasta and Sauce: A Love Story

The moment of truth has arrived – combining the spaghetti and Bolognese sauce! It’s not just a toss and serve scenario; oh no, this is a union that demands respect. Draining the spaghetti and adding it directly to the sauce allows the pasta to absorb all those beautiful flavors. Now that’s a pasta-ble match made in heaven! 😍

Tip: Always save a cup of the pasta water before draining. The starchy water can be added to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

Total time

150

minutes

A traditional, rich and hearty Spaghetti Bolognese enhanced with the magic of red wine.

Ingredients

• 500g spaghetti

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 500g ground beef

• 1 cup full-bodied red wine

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
• Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up as it browns.
• Once the beef is browned, add the red wine. Let it simmer until the wine is reduced by half.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
• Drain the spaghetti and add it to the Bolognese sauce, mixing well to coat. Add a bit of the pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
• Serve the spaghetti Bolognese with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

So, with these insights, you’re all set to create the most exquisite, rich, and flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese at home. Who said you need to be a professional chef to cook like one? With the right ingredients and techniques, you too can master the art of Italian cooking. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍴