Classic Bolognese Sauce with Pappardelle Pasta

Gather around the table for a serving of Classic Bolognese Pasta Sauce, a traditional recipe that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cooking. This rich and hearty sauce combines the deep flavors of ground chuck and pork with a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery, slowly simmered in a savory tomato and red wine base. Served over tender pappardelle pasta and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, flavor, and the enduring appeal of culinary traditions. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it fosters an environment of warmth and togetherness, making each bite a shared moment among loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced

• 2 stalks of celery, finely diced (including some leaves for flavor)

• 1 can imported Italian tomatoes

• 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup of your favorite red wine

• 1 pound ground chuck

• 1 pound ground pork

• Olive oil

• 1 package dried pappardelle pasta

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup water

• 4 bay leaves

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, keeping the pieces uniform for even cooking. Remember to include some celery leaves for added flavor.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables, sautéing until soft.

3. Add Tomato Paste:

   • Mix in the tomato paste with the vegetables, sautéing for a few more minutes until the mixture is well caramelized.

4. Deglaze with Wine:

   • Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

5. Cook the Meat:

   • Add the ground chuck and ground pork to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is well browned.

6. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:

   • Stir in the canned tomatoes, crushing them with the spoon. Add water and bay leaves. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours; the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it will be.

7. Prepare the Pasta:

   • In a large pot of heavily salted boiling water, cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.

8. Serve:

   • Place a portion of pappardelle in a bowl. Top with a generous amount of bolognese sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

This Classic Bolognese Pasta Sauce brings comfort and tradition to your table, perfect for those moments when you seek both simplicity and depth in your meal. Enjoy the warmth it brings to your gatherings, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most memorable.