Bolognese

When you've had a long day/ week/ month at work, you need a recipe in your rotation that is as soothing as it is quick. This sauce is just as good in a half hour as it would be on a long Sunday afternoon.


Simple Bolognese
From: Everyday Italian

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 celery stalk, minced
1 carrot, peeled and minced
1 pound ground beef chuck (you can also substitute ground turkey)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped (you can also substitute 2 tablespoons of pesto)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

In a large skillet heat the olive oil. When almost smoking, add the onion and garlic and saute over medium heat until the onions become very soft, about 8 minutes. Add the celery and carrot and saute for 5 minutes. Raise heat to high and add the ground beef. Saute, stirring frequently and breaking up any large lumps and cook until meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, parsley, basil, salt and pepper and cook over medium low heat until the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Finish bolognese with the grated cheese and serve over spaghetti or penne pasta.