French-Inspired Savory Delight: Pasta Bolognese with a Touch of France

French-Inspired Savory Delight: Pasta Bolognese with a Touch of France
Photo by Mathis Schirmer / The Culinary Lens with Matti

Embark on a culinary journey to the enchanting flavors of France with our French-inspired pasta Bolognese recipe. This delightful twist on the classic Italian dish combines the richness of a traditional Bolognese sauce with a touch of French flair. Prepared with aromatic herbs, savory vegetables, and a hint of wine, this homemade pasta Bolognese will transport you to the rustic charm of a French countryside kitchen. Get ready to savor a symphony of flavors as we guide you through crafting this authentic and satisfying dish.

This recipe is for four people.

Ingredients:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 500 g pasta of your choice
  • 500 g tomato purée from the tin
  • 400 g chopped tomatoes from the tin
  • 20 g tomato paste
  • A good amount of butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 stick of celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, thinly chopped
  • Herbs of your choice (such as thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, or Italian seasoning)
  • Paprika powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Optionally:
    • 50 ml wine of your choice (Ideally something robust)
    • A dash of olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Begin by heating a pot of water for the pasta. Meanwhile, melt a good amount of butter in a separate large saucepan. Add the diced onions and carrots, and simmer until the onions become translucent and glass-like. For added richness, you can incorporate more butter during the simmering process. Optional: Add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.
  2. Once the onions and carrots are cooked to perfection, add the ground beef to the saucepan. Cook the beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, ensuring it is evenly cooked through. Stir occasionally to break up any clumps.
  3. Incorporate the tomato paste into the beef mixture, stirring until it is fully incorporated. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the Bolognese sauce.
  4. While the sauce simmers, salt the boiling pasta water and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until it reaches the desired level of tenderness. Drain the pasta once cooked.
  5. Now, it's time to add the tomato purée and the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together. Optional: If you prefer a hint of wine in your Bolognese, add 50 ml of wine of your choice to the sauce at this stage and let it simmer.
  6. Enhance the sauce with your selection of herbs and spices. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika powder, and your preferred Italian seasoning. Remember to taste the sauce with a fresh spoon and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add more of any ingredient that you feel will enhance the flavors.
  7. Serve the pasta Bolognese over the cooked pasta and savor the enticing aroma. The combination of rich meat sauce, al dente pasta, and well-balanced flavors will create a memorable dining experience. Garnish with grated parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this homemade pasta Bolognese, crafted with love and attention to detail. Let the essence of Italy grace your table as you indulge in each delightful bite. Bon appétit!