TAGLIATELLE RAGU BOLOGNESE
Let’s unlock the secrets of the authentic and succulent tagliatelle al Ragù recipe from Bologna together…
The Authentic Tagliatelle al Ragù from Bologna
In the world of Italian cuisine, there is a dish that reigns supreme, loved by food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. But let us set the record straight right from the start – it’s not ‘Bolognese.’ The authentic dish I’m talking about is none other than ‘Tagliatelle al Ragù,’ a culinary masterpiece hailing from the heart of Italy, Bologna.
A Trip to the Culinary Capital
Who does not know the al ragù sauce? And no, we do not say bolognese! I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the culinary world of Bologna, where this iconic dish originates. I was eager to learn the secrets and traditions behind the iconic dish!
Easy Peasy Authenticity
Tagliatelle al Ragù, true to the essence of my food blog, ‘easypeasydish.com,’ is surprisingly easy to make. Like all the dishes featured here, simplicity is key. The savory richness of the al ragù sauce is no exception. You can effortlessly prepare it, and a bonus : you can double or even triple the recipe and freeze this delicious sauce for future culinary adventures.
A Bit of History
Intriguingly, Ragù’s roots extend back to the Renaissance in France, where it began as a meat-based delicacy. However, it was in 19th-century Italy that it truly found its place in the hearts of locals. With the passage of time, the dish underwent a remarkable transformation, adapting to the unique traditions of different Italian regions. This included variations such as the use of pork meat, the crafting of delectable meatballs, and the pairing with specific types of pasta, like the handmade pasta that defines Bologna’s culinary culture.
The first documented reference to the Bolognese meat-based recipe served with pasta appeared in Pellegrino Artusi’s renowned cookbook, published in 1891. Artusi, a culinary pioneer, was the first to compile recipes from all corners of Italy in a single masterpiece titled ‘La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiare bene’ (‘The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well’). His work served as a significant milestone in preserving the diverse culinary traditions of Italy.
A key moment in the journey of Ragù alla Bolognese occurred on October 17, 1982, when the recipe for the “Classic Bolognese Ragù” received official recognition. This historic moment was marked by the patenting of the recipe at the Bologna Chamber of Commerce, carried out by the Bologna Delegation of the Italian Academy of Cuisine. !
Exploring Savuto
Consider pairing your Tagliatelle al Ragù with a glass of Savuto, a red wine from Calabria, in the deep south of Italy,
Savuto’s winemakers craft their masterpieces from a formidable array of grape varieties. These include Arvino, Greco Nero, Gaglioppo, Nerello Cappuccio, Magliocco Canino, Sangiovese, Malvasia Bianca, and Pecorino.
A Colorful Palette
Savuto wines are renowned for their rich and complex profile. They span the spectrum from the light, fruity notes of berries to the deep, luscious flavors of dark plums. This mountain red is celebrated for its dry, ample, robust, and potent character. Its bouquet is not only distinctive but also fragrant, leaving a lasting impression on those who have the privilege of enjoying it.
Savuto’s wines are characterized by their unique range of hues, from a dark ruby red to a delicate pink. Each bottle exudes its personality with varying levels of fullness and body. For instance, Savuto Superiore, a premium offering, is required to age for a minimum of two years and boasts a minimum alcohol strength of 12.5%.
A Geographical Tale
The region takes its name from the Savuto River, which forms a natural border between the Cosenza and Catanzaro provinces. This geographical element plays a pivotal role in influencing the climate of the vineyards. Those nestled closer to the interior of Calabria enjoy cooler conditions, resulting in wines with lower alcohol levels.
In fine
Learning the art of making Tagliatelle al Ragù from the people of Bologna was a heartfelt experience. It is the kind of dish that evokes warmth, tradition, and a sense of home, no matter where you are in the world…
The soul of Italian cuisine
If you have been conquered with this succulent recipe from Bologna, what not discover some other Italian culinary jewels ?
You may wish to try some calabrese pasta with sausage or a pappa al pomodoro zuppa ?
Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Be sure to check out my other easy-peasy recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration!
Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!
Sixtine ;)
TAGLIATELLE RAGU BOLOGNESE
Ingredients
- 350 g tagliatelles fresh
- 300 g finest beef minced
- 100 g pork sausage minced
- 1 large carrot finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 400 g passata
- 10 cl white wine
- 15 cl milk
- olive oil
- parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, fry the carrots, celery and onion in a little bit of olive oil for a few minutes.
- Add the beef, sausage, passata and wine.
- Combine well, cover and let it cook for 1 hour under a low heat.
- Before the end of the cooking, add the milk and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelles in a large volume of boiling water.
- Serve the tagliatelles with the al ragù sauce and sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese!