Pappardelle Bolognese

Close your eyes and envision a cozy Italian trattoria nestled in a quaint village. The aroma of simmering Bolognese sauce fills the air, and the sight of broad, silky Pappardelle pasta warms your heart. That’s the magic of Pappardelle Bolognese, a dish that dances on the taste buds and whispers the secrets of Italian comfort food. Join me in unraveling the recipe, as we embark on a journey through the rustic charm of Italy right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish
• Parmesan shreds to sprinkle on top

For the Pappardelle Pasta:

• 12 ounces of Pappardelle pasta
• Salt and water for boiling

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Serves: 4

Step 1: Preparing the Bolognese Sauce (30 minutes preparation, 2 hours simmering)

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they turn soft and the onions become translucent, usually around 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until its aromatic fragrance wafts through the kitchen.
3. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of our sauce – the ground meat. Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat into small pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink, and any excess liquid has evaporated. This should take around 10-12 minutes.
4. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces by half. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to your Bolognese sauce.
5. Lower the heat and add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together.
6. Pour in the whole milk and give it a good stir. The milk adds creaminess and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Bolognese sauce simmer for at least 2 hours, occasionally giving it a gentle stir. This slow, low simmer allows the flavors to meld and intensify. The result will be a rich, velvety sauce that’s worth every minute of the wait.

Step 2: Cooking the Pappardelle Pasta (10 minutes)

1. While the Bolognese sauce simmers away, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
2. Carefully add the Pappardelle pasta to the boiling water. Cook it until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once the pasta reaches the desired doneness, drain it in a colander. Reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water in case you need it to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.

Step 3: Combining the Pappardelle and Bolognese (10 minutes)

1. In a large serving bowl, gently toss the cooked Pappardelle pasta with a ladleful of the Bolognese sauce. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Plate the sauced Pappardelle on individual serving plates, and top them generously with more Bolognese sauce.
3. Garnish each plate with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a burst of herbal aroma and a pop of color. Sprinkle with parmesan for a nutty flavor!

Step 4: Savoring the Art of Italian Comfort (Immediate Gratification!)

1. As you take your first bite, close your eyes and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Italy. The Pappardelle’s broad, silky ribbons cradle the rich, meaty Bolognese sauce, creating a marriage of texture and taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
2. The patience you’ve put into simmering the sauce pays off as each bite reveals the depth of flavors. The Bolognese, with its hints of wine, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the creaminess of milk, marries perfectly with the hearty pasta.
3. The addition of red pepper flakes gives the dish a gentle kick, while the fresh basil or parsley and parmesan add a fragrant note that makes every bite a celebration of Italian cuisine.

Conclusion: A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

Pappardelle Bolognese is more than a dish; it’s an experience. The slow-cooked Bolognese sauce with its robust flavors and silky texture, paired with broad, tender Pappardelle pasta, offers a taste of Italian comfort that’s worth the wait. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or creating a special meal at home, this recipe allows you to bring the rustic charm of Italy to your table.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every dish is an expression of creativity and love. By mastering the art of Pappardelle Bolognese, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re crafting an experience that will be savored with every bite. Buon appetito!