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Sautéing is an essential step in creating a rich and flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese. Start by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add finely chopped onions and cook them until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. To maximize flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt at this stage; it helps draw out moisture from the onions, allowing them to caramelize nicely.

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce

Discover the heartwarming experience of making Spaghetti Bolognese, a classic Italian comfort food that brings family together. This dish, with its rich and savory flavors, has become a beloved staple across the globe. Learn about its origins from Bologna, explore the essential ingredients for the perfect sauce, and embrace the joy of cooking from scratch. Dive into the culinary journey of Spaghetti Bolognese and create unforgettable memories at your dinner table.
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

100ml red wine (optional)

400g canned chopped tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

50g grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

    Prepare the Bolognese Base: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

      Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

        Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

          Deglaze with Wine (if using): Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

            Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

              Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

                Combine with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the Bolognese sauce. Toss well to combine, making sure the pasta is coated evenly.

                  Serve: Plate the spaghetti Bolognese, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                    Enjoy: Dig in and savor the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade spaghetti Bolognese!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings