Adele’s Bolognese

Updated at: Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:25:03 GMT

Step 1

1. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat, then add the oil. After 30 seconds, add the mince. Make sure it sizzles in the pan, rather than stews. Break up the mince with a wooden spoon as it fries.

Step 2

2. After 10 minutes, the mince will have changes color from pink, to grey, to golden brown. It’s possible the mince will release water as it cooks at first, but keep the heat up and it will boil away, leaving the mince to fry. Transfer the mince to a bowl.

Step 3

3. While the mince fries, very roughly chop the onions, celery, carrot and garlic cloves. Put into the bowl of a food processor.

Step 4

4. Pulse the blades of the food processor in short bursts until the vegetables are quite finely chopped. A food processor will save lots of time here, but if you don’t have one, chop the vegetables by hand. You may have to cook them for a little bit longer.

Step 5

5. Chop the bacon or pancetta, add it to the pan, then fry gently for 8-10 minutes until the fat has run out of the meat and it’s crisp and golden. Pancetta will take slightly less time to crisp than streaky bacon.

Step 6

6. Add the vegetables, then turn the heat down. Cook gently for another 10 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 7

7. Return the mince to the pan and tear in the basil leaves (or dried herbs). Stir in the tomato puree, bay leaf and wine, then let the mix bubble and reduce for 2 minutes. Stir in the milk and tomatoes, plus 100ml (3 1/2 fl oz) water, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 8

8. Partly cover the pan, then simmer for 1 1/2 hours until the mince is tender and surrounded with a rich, thick sauce. Taste to check the seasoning, and add salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 9

9. Just before serving, boil the pasta for 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of the cooking water, then drain. Finely grate some Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

10. Put the pasta into the sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of the pasta cooking water, then toss well and serve, topped with grated or shaved parmesan.

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