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Bolognese Sauce

Ragu alla Bolognese, of course comes to us from the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. A region quite well known for its gastronomic offerings.
Course Sides/Sauces
Cuisine Italian
season Winter
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 oz dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large Spanish onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 lb ground beef or veal
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • salt + pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1  28-oz can whole San Marzano tomatoes + juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 Tbsp fresh oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese + more for garnish

Instructions
 

  • To small mixing bowl combine porcini mushrooms and warm water. Allow to sit for 20 – 30 minutes. Remove mushrooms with slotted spoon then drain and reserve liquid.
  • Chop mushrooms and set to side with strained liquid until ready to use.
  • In Dutch oven or other large pot, heat butter and oil, over medium heat.
  • When butter has melted and oil begins to shimmer add onion and cook until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in garlic, parsley and 1 tsp of the thyme. Cook another 2 minutes.
  • Add ground meats and cook until no longer pink.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add wine and continue cooking until liquid evaporates.
  • Stir in stock and ½ cup of reserved mushroom liquid along with the mushrooms. Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer about 3 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, one at a time, squeezing each with your hand, directly into the pot.
  • Drop in bay leaf and oregano. Continue simmering sauce until thickened, about an hour. You may need to add water on occasion if sauce gets too thick.
  • Before serving sauce, stir in ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and taste for additional seasoning.

Notes

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