Spaghetti al Ragu

Ingredients:

Salt to taste

1 chopped onion

2 celery sticks

1 diced carrot

350g. of spaghetti

fresh basil to taste

extra virgin olive oil

150g. of sausage (optional)

800g. of peeled or pureed tomatoes

500g. of minced beef

1/2 glass of red or white wine

grated parmesan to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

First of all prepare the vegetables, peel them, wash them well, peel them and cut them into small cubes for the sauté

Now make a nice mixed sauté, pour some extra virgin olive oil into a large saucepan with the carrot, onion, celery and extra virgin olive oil.

Step 2:

As soon as the vegetables are golden, add the minced meat and the sausage, peeled and divided into small pieces if you like

Add a little red or white wine, mix well and let the alcohol in the wine evaporate well.

Step 3:

Now add the gravy cut into chunks or the tomato puree

Pour a little water

Season with salt and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 4:

As soon as the water is absorbed, add a little more until the sauce becomes full-bodied, if necessary add more salt and towards the end of cooking

Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to remove the acidity from the ragù and fresh basil for flavour!

Step 5:

Now boil a saucepan with plenty of salted water, as soon as the water boils, add the spaghetti or pasta of your choice and cook for the minutes indicated on your package

Once ready, drain and pour into an ovenproof dish, season with the ragù alla Bolognese and with plenty of parmesan and bon appétit to you.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: Approximately 480 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of wine for a vegetarian version of this classic dish.

What type of pasta works best with ragu sauce?

Traditionally, spaghetti or tagliatelle are used with ragu sauce.

However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

How long should I cook the ragu sauce?

The cooking time for the ragu sauce can vary depending on the desired thickness and flavor.

Typically, it’s simmered for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Can I freeze leftover ragu sauce?

Yes, ragu sauce freezes very well.

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is there a difference between ragu and Bolognese sauce?

Ragu and Bolognese are often used interchangeably, but technically, ragu refers to a meat-based sauce from Italy, while Bolognese sauce specifically originates from the city of Bologna.

However, both sauces are rich, hearty, and delicious!

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this dish healthier, you can use lean ground beef or turkey instead of minced beef, and whole wheat pasta instead of regular spaghetti.

Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce.

Is there a difference between ragu and Bolognese sauce?

Ragu and Bolognese are often used interchangeably, but technically, ragu refers to a meat-based sauce from Italy, while Bolognese sauce specifically originates from the city of Bologna.

However, both sauces are rich, hearty, and delicious!

Can I use other types of pasta with this ragu sauce?

Yes, you can use various types of pasta with ragu sauce, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Choose your favorite pasta shape or use what you have on hand.

What can I serve alongside Spaghetti al Ragu?

Spaghetti al Ragu pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook the ragu sauce?

The cooking time for the ragu sauce can vary, but it typically takes about 1-2 hours to simmer and develop rich flavors.

Can I make the ragu sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the ragu sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

What is the purpose of adding sugar to the ragu sauce?

Adding sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

It’s a common technique used in tomato-based sauces.