Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel the onion and carrot. Chop the onion into very small cubes (about 0.5 cm). Grate the carrot on a coarse grater or also chop it into small cubes. The finer you chop the vegetables, the better they will blend into the sauce. Peel the garlic and chop it very finely or press it through a garlic press.
Description
Here is a revolutionary version of classic spaghetti bolognese that will forever change your approach to cooking pasta! Forget about the mess and multiple pots. In this recipe, everything – from the aromatic meat sauce to the al dente pasta – cooks together in one pot. The secret lies in the starch released by the pasta during cooking, which naturally thickens the sauce, giving it an incredibly creamy, velvety texture that is impossible to achieve with traditional methods. This dish is the essence of Italian-American comfort food, perfect for a quick, hearty dinner in the middle of the week. The depth of flavor from the vegetable soffritto, the richness of the meat and tomatoes, all combined into a harmonious whole in less than 45 minutes. Serve generously sprinkled with parmesan and fresh basil to enjoy a meal that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
Ingredients (14)
- Ground beef 400 g
- Onion 1 szt.
- Carrot 1.3 szt.
- Garlic 2 ząbki
- Spaghetti pasta 250 g
- Tomato passata 700 g
- Beef broth 500 ml
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.2 łyżek
- sugar 5 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Dried oregano 2 łyżeczki
- Salt 0.2 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Parmesan cheese 50 g
- Fresh basil 0.5 pęczek
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparation of the base (Soffritto)
In a large, wide pot or deep skillet with a thick bottom, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is warm (starting to shimmer slightly), add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. This process is called 'soffritto' and builds the flavor foundation of the entire dish.
Preparation of meat sauce
Add the ground meat to the soft vegetables. Increase the heat to medium-high. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, vigorously break the meat into the smallest pieces possible. Fry for 5-7 minutes, until all the meat loses its pink color and starts to brown nicely. A good browning of the meat is key for a deep, meaty flavor in the sauce.
Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it releases its aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter. Then add the tomato passata, beef broth, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix everything well, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let the sauce gently simmer.
Cooking pasta in sauce
Now the key moment! Break the spaghetti in half to fit it in the pot. Spread it evenly in the boiling sauce, trying to ensure as many strands as possible are submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 2 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and, using tongs or a fork, thoroughly mix the pasta, separating the stuck strands. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
Cook everything uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the pasta – check the information on the package and cook for 1-2 minutes longer. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the liquid, and the sauce will become thick and creamy. At the end of cooking, check if the pasta is 'al dente' (firm but cooked). If the sauce is too thick and the pasta is still hard, add a little hot water or broth (50 ml at a time).
Finishing and serving
When the pasta is perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat. If using, add the chopped fresh basil leaves and mix. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, placing generous portions into deep plates. Top each portion generously with freshly grated Parmesan.
Fun Fact
Although spaghetti bolognese is known worldwide as a flagship Italian dish, in Bologna (where the 'ragù alla bolognese' sauce originates), it is traditionally served with tagliatelle pasta, not spaghetti. The version with spaghetti was popularized by Italian immigrants in the USA and the UK.
Best for
Tips
Serve in deep, warmed plates to keep the dish warm for longer. Next to it, place a small bowl with extra grated Parmesan. It pairs perfectly with a simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the dish. A glass of dry red wine, such as Chianti, is a great choice to drink.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so the dish will become thicker. When reheating (in the microwave or in a pot over low heat), add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to restore the proper consistency.
📸 Ugotowane przez społeczność
Zaloguj się, aby dodać zdjęcieDodaj zdjęcie gotowej potrawy
Po zatwierdzeniu przez moderatora otrzymasz 10 punktów doświadczenia.
Nikt jeszcze nie dodał zdjęcia. Bądź pierwszy!
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this recipe!
Add a comment