Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese: A Hearty Italian Classic 2024

Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese is a mouthwatering Italian pasta dish featuring long, flat ribbons of pasta (tagliatelle) smothered in a rich, savory meat-based sauce known as Ragù alla Bolognese. It’s a traditional recipe originating from Bologna, Italy, and cherished worldwide for its comforting flavors. The dish is a medley of flavors – the pasta is tender and silky, while the Ragù sauce is hearty, combining the umami of meat with the sweetness of tomatoes. It’s a marriage of textures and tastes, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

Recipe Steps: Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 400g tagliatelle pasta
• 300g ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 200ml beef broth
• 120ml red wine (optional)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to make Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese:

Prepare the Ragù sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef, cooking until it browns. Stir and break up the meat with a wooden spoon.
3. Incorporate carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
4. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer until mostly evaporated.
5. Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors.

Cook the tagliatelle pasta:

• Boil Water: Take a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
• Add Salt: Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. A general rule of thumb is about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per 4-6 quarts of water.
• Add Pasta: Gently add the tagliatelle pasta to the boiling water. Stir it immediately to prevent the strands from sticking together.
• Cook to Al Dente: Follow the cooking time mentioned on the pasta package as a guide. Typically, tagliatelle pasta cooks for about 8-10 minutes. Cook until it’s “al dente,” meaning it’s cooked through but still slightly firm when bitten.
• Check for Readiness: To check if the pasta is ready, fish out a strand and taste it. It should have a slight resistance when chewed but not be hard.
• Drain the Pasta: Once the tagliatelle is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Carefully pour the pasta and water through a colander or strainer to drain off the water.
• Reserve Pasta Water: It’s a good idea to save a cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be used later to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Rinse (optional): Some people prefer to rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. However, for a pasta dish like Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese, you may skip rinsing as the sauce sticks better to the pasta when it’s still warm.

Combine the pasta and sauce:

• Add the cooked tagliatelle to the pot of Ragù sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Additional Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of beef and pork or even include some pancetta.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
• Don’t rush the cooking time of the Ragù sauce; allowing it to simmer slowly enhances the depth of flavors.

Yield, Prep time and Calories

• Yield: This recipe typically yields about 4 servings.
• Prep Time: The estimated preparation time for this dish is around 20-25 minutes.
• Calories: The calorie count for a serving of Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. However, on average, one serving of this dish could contain approximately 400-500 calories.

Information	Details
Yield	Approximately 4 servings
Prep Time	About 20-25 minutes
Calories per Serving	Estimated 400-500 calories

What to Serve with Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese

When serving Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese, there are several great options to complement this delicious dish. Here are some suggestions:

1. Bread: A crusty loaf of Italian bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
2. Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.
3. Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini can add a healthy and colorful side dish.
4. Antipasto Platter: Serve a platter with cured meats like prosciutto or salami, alongside olives, cheeses, and pickled vegetables for a delightful appetizer course.
5. Wine: Pair this hearty dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Barbera, to complement the flavors of the Ragù sauce.
6. Dessert: Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or gelato for a sweet ending.

Enjoy this delicious Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese with a glass of your favorite Italian wine and some crusty bread to soak up every bit of the savory sauce!

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