Delicious Ragu alla Bolognese

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables (Medium Intensity):
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Brown the Meat (Medium-High Intensity):
   • Add ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and brown it until fully cooked.
3. Deglaze with Wine (Medium-High Intensity):
   • Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to pick up flavorful bits. Allow the wine to cook down for a few minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Milk (Medium Intensity):
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, milk, broth, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
5. Season and Simmer (Low Intensity):
   • Add bay leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally.
6. Adjust Seasoning (Low Intensity):
   • Taste the ragu and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves.
7. Serve (Low Intensity):
   • Serve the delicious ragu over cooked pasta of your choice.
8. Garnish and Enjoy (Low Intensity):
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful Ragu Bolognese!

Note: This rich and savory Ragu Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta shapes. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld, creating a delicious and hearty sauce.