How to Make the Best Spaghetti Bolognese with Two Secret Ingredients
Spaghetti Bolognese is a beloved classic in Italian cuisine, but what if you could elevate this dish to new heights with a couple of secret ingredients? Here is a twist on the traditional recipe that will make your taste buds sing and have guests clamoring for seconds.
Ingredients:
– 400g spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 500g ground beef (or mixed beef and pork)
– 800g canned chopped tomatoes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Handful of fresh basil, roughly torn
Secret Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– A splash of soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent. This will lay the foundation for flavor.
2. Introduce the carrots and celery to the pan, sweating them until they begin to soften.
3. Increase the heat slightly and add in the ground meat, breaking it apart with your cooking utensil. Cook until well browned, then drain any excess fat from the pan—if desired.
4. Stir in the canned tomatoes, along with salt and pepper to taste, then let everything simmer together for about an hour on low heat for flavors to marry beautifully. For a richer sauce, you can also add a splash of red wine at this point.
5. Here’s where we unveil the first secret ingredient: Stir in the cinnamon. This warming spice will add an unexpected depth that complements the tomatoes wonderfully without overpowering the sauce.
6. Just before you’re ready to serve, incorporate a hearty splash of soy sauce as our second secret ingredient. It might seem unorthodox for an Italian dish but trust us—this brings a savory umami punch that enhances the meatiness of your Bolognese.
7. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and place into serving bowls.
8. Ladle generous portions of your rich Bolognese over each serving of pasta. Finish with a scattering of fresh basil for an aromatic freshness that lifts each bite.
9. Serve promptly with grated Parmesan cheese if desired—and watch as this sumptuous meal becomes an instant favorite!
The cinnamon adds warmth while the soy sauce injects umami depth that can’t be achieved with just salt alone—these are secrets that can help transform your dish from good to great! With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, your Spaghetti Bolognese is sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it. Bon appétit!