Traditional Tagliatelle alla Bolognese Recipe: How to Make Authentic Italian Pasta

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish that originates from the region of Emilia-Romagna. This traditional recipe features tagliatelle pasta combined with a rich, slow-cooked Bolognese sauce made with a blend of meats, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Follow this authentic recipe to enjoy a taste of Italy in your home.

Inspiring Quote

“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” – Federico Fellini

Recipe Description

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese is an iconic Italian pasta dish from the Emilia-Romagna region. This dish is renowned for its rich and hearty Bolognese sauce, traditionally made with a combination of beef, pork, pancetta, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic vegetables. The sauce is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting meal. This recipe will guide you through making an authentic Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, providing tips and historical context to enhance your cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 400g tagliatelle pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 100g pancetta, diced
• 300g ground beef
• 200g ground pork
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 800g canned tomatoes, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Procedure

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   2. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the Meats:
   1. Add the diced pancetta to the pot and cook until it starts to crisp.
   2. Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
3. Add the Milk and Wine:
   1. Pour in the milk and simmer until it evaporates.
   2. Add the white wine and simmer until it reduces by half.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   1. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Stir well.
   2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
   3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   2. Add the tagliatelle and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
   3. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   1. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
   2. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
   3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Enjoy your Traditional Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, a dish that brings the authentic flavors of Bologna to your table. This hearty and rich pasta is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner.

Additional Notes

• Use whole milk for a richer sauce.
• The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated for even better flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• For an authentic experience, use fresh tagliatelle pasta.
• Let the sauce simmer longer for a deeper flavor.

Region of Origin

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese originates from Bologna, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Beverage Pairings

• Wine: Pair with a full-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barolo.
• Beer: An amber ale or stout complements the rich flavors.
• Non-alcoholic: A robust iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.