Bolognese
Chansons de Le Chef et Le Chat
Days of Wine and Roses - Frank Sinatra
I do my best to find more unknown artists, artists who embody a recipe. Frank Sinatra is not exactly the embodiment of Bolognese, but I just have a sweet spot for his music. This song makes me feel like I am singing in the kitchen, sipping on wine, and inhaling the romantic aroma of a day-long bolognese.
Like any New Jersey native,
Bolognese runs through my veins
Ingredients:
Ground Meat
Sausage or
Pork or
Veal or
Beef or
Chicken/Turkey
I like to use a mix of sausage, pork, and beef.
1-2 Cans 28oz San Marzano Whole Tomatoes
Tomato Paste
Italian seasoning
Basil
Oregano
Rosemary
Thyme
Marjoram
Sage
Parsley
Bay Leaf
Mirepoix
Onions
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Red Wine
I recommend a Sangiovese, Barbera, or a Chianti.
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Real chunks of parm only, please, CHEFS
Consider adding:
A Splash of Cream
Olives or Capers
Anchovies
Fresh Herbs
Lentils - Vegetarian
Roasted Veggies
Bell Peppers, Zucchini, or Eggplant
Chopped Chilis
Bacon or Pancetta
Mushrooms
Instructions:
Dice your Mirepoix into small bits.
The most professional way I can describe the size is like a single lego piece. You know, the one single cube with one raised cylinder. Put your vegetables aside for now.
Put a large pot on the stove on medium heat.
After it has warmed up for a bit, add some good olive oil and then add your meat into the pot to brown.
Once its properly browned, take out the meat but LEAVE the oil and fat in the pot. This will be used for our vegetables.
Sautee your vegetables until softened and aromatic.
Once they are translucent, add in some minced garlic followed by the meat that you browned before.
Add Tomato Paste.
Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste and mix. Allow to cook for a minute or so.
Add Seasonings.
Crush Tomatoes.
Crack open your can(s) of San Marzano tomatoes and hand-crush them before adding them to the pot.
Pour in Water.
Fill your empty can(s) with water and add that to the sauce as well.
Bay Leaves.
Add between 2-4 bay leaves depending on size, and leave uncovered to simmer on medium-low for several hours.
Wine.
When the liquid has reduced significantly, add your red wine.
Reduce until desired consistency.
Bolognese is the answer. Doesn’t matter, the question.
“What do I do with my life? My wife left me, the kids hate me, and the loan sharks are gonna come break my legs.”
“Do you want some spaghetti and bolognese?”
“No.”
“Lasagne?”
“No, no I can’t".”
Do you understand how ridiculous this sounds?! Of course, you want pasta, you miserable moron. A 4-hour concoction of meat, tomatoes, and wine is like an everlasting gobstopper handed to you by Mr. Fizzy Lifting Drinks himself. You can’t just say no. Saying no to bolognese is like saying no to Tony Soprano, it comes with consequences.
