Neven Maguire's Ragu alla Bolognese
There's no doubt that making an authentic Bolognese can take a bit of time which is why I'll always make a large quantity so that I can freeze it in smaller batches.
There's no doubt that making an authentic Bolognese can take a bit of time which is why I'll always make a large quantity so that I can freeze it in smaller batches.
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 celery stick finely diced
- 1 carrot finely diced
- 350 g lean minced beef
- 350 g lean minced pork
- 300 ml red wine
- 2 can plum tomatoes
- 1 x bouquet garni (bay leaf thyme, rosemary, sage)
- 675 kg spaghetti
- freshly grated parmesan to serve
- Carbohydrate 504047.4058 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 10199.8214000029 g
- Fiber 21606.118321898 g
- Protein 88023.5353 g
- Saturated Fat 1870.8018100004 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (675408g)
- Sodium 40752.6570000001 mg
- Sugar 482441.287478102 g
- Trans Fat 3361.83841000008 g
- Calories 2504417 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large, heavy-based pan. Add the oil and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and taken on a little colour, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced beef and pork to the pan and mix until well combined, then sauté until well browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon.
- Deglaze the pan with a little of the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to remove any sediment.
- Pour in the remaining wine with the plum tomatoes and break up using a wooden spoon.
- Bring to a boil, add in the bouquet garni, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours is best until the beef & pork is meltingly tender and the sauce has slightly reduced.
- When ready to serve, bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil. Add a good pinch of salt and swirl in the spaghetti.
- Stir once and then cook for 8-10 minutes or according to instructions on the packet until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain and quickly refresh under cold running water, then return to the pan and add the Bolognese sauce.
- Toss until well-combined and then divide among warmed wide-rimmed serving bowls.
- Scatter over some Parmesan to serve.
Neven Maguire's Authentic Bolognese: A Labor of Love (and Delicious Leftovers!)
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals can feel like a Herculean task. But there are certain dishes that are worth the investment – meals that are so flavorful, so comforting, that the time spent in the kitchen feels less like a chore and more like a cherished act of self-care. Neven Maguire's Bolognese recipe is one of those dishes. It’s the kind of recipe that whispers promises of warmth and satisfaction, a culinary hug in a bowl. And the best part? The leftovers are even better the next day!
The aroma that fills your kitchen while the sauce simmers is intoxicating – a symphony of rich beef, fragrant herbs, and sweet tomatoes. It’s a scent that conjures up images of cozy evenings, family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a delicious escape from the demands of everyday life. I’ve adapted Neven's recipe slightly to suit my own tastes and schedule, making it a bit quicker without sacrificing any of that incredible flavor. The key is to embrace the slow cooking process; letting the flavors meld and deepen over time is what creates magic in the pot. The result is a sauce that's incredibly rich, deeply flavorful, and unbelievably tender. The perfect accompaniment to a good glass of red wine and great company.
Why this recipe resonates with me: It’s more than just a recipe; it's a commitment to quality ingredients and a slow-cooked masterpiece. It's a dish that allows me to savor the process, from carefully selecting fresh ingredients to patiently watching the sauce transform into a culinary marvel. And let’s be honest, the feeling of accomplishment when you serve a dish this delicious is unbeatable. It's a way for me to connect with my family on a deeper level, sharing a meal made with love and intention. The time I spend preparing this is not just time spent cooking, it's time spent nurturing. And that's something I deeply value. This dish isn't just about feeding my family; it's about nourishing their souls, one delicious bite at a time.
Tips for success: Use quality ingredients; this truly makes a difference in the final taste. Don't skimp on the simmering time; this allows the flavors to fully develop and the meat to become incredibly tender. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your personal preference. And finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Beyond the dinner table: This Bolognese is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic over spaghetti, of course, but also delicious with other pasta shapes, served over polenta, stuffed into shells, or used as a filling for lasagna. The possibilities are endless! And because I make a large batch, I always freeze portions for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. It's a delicious and convenient way to have a restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes.
The perfect weeknight meal: Despite the seemingly long cooking time, this recipe isn't as daunting as it may first appear. Much of the time is hands-off, allowing you to tend to other tasks while the sauce simmers happily away. With a little planning and some upfront effort, you can enjoy a truly exceptional meal without sacrificing your precious time. And the reward? A hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Bolognese that will leave your family begging for more. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it finds a place in yours as well.
Embrace the imperfection: Cooking is not always about perfection; it's about the joy of creating something delicious to share with those you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to tweak the recipe to your liking, and most importantly, to enjoy the process. This Bolognese is a testament to the power of slow cooking, of letting flavors meld and deepen, and of creating a culinary masterpiece that is both satisfying and memorable. It's a dish that nourishes not only the body but also the soul.
