Nigella’s Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish made with al dente spaghetti covered in a tasty beef sauce flavored with herbs and spices. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long day. When you’re hungry, you can use this tried-and-true recipe to make something rich and filling to eat.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Flavorful And Rich. Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese has a rich, delicious meat sauce with aromatic herbs and veggies. Each taste is a flavorful explosion that leaves you wanting more.
- Comforting And Satisfying. This hearty recipe is excellent for nice nights in or family gatherings. Tender ground beef, fragrant spices, and al dente spaghetti make a hearty, comforting supper.
- Easy And Versatile. This dish is simple for all chefs. It’s also customizable. You may customize it with other meats or seasonings and still get a tasty result.
What Is Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese?
Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a rich meat sauce made with ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs. The sauce clings to al dente spaghetti, making it pleasant and cozy. This soothing dish is named after food writer and TV personality Nigella Lawson.
Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400g crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 400g spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Cooking Instructions For Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese
- Warm some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spatula, until it is evenly browned and thoroughly cooked. The sizzling sound and tantalizing aroma will make you anxiously anticipate the forthcoming flavors.
- After the beef has been browned, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan. As the vegetable sauté, their enticing aroma permeates the air, creating an appetizing ambiance in the kitchen. Cook until the vegetables become tender and the onion becomes transparent.
- Allow the tomato purée to coat the meat and vegetables as you stir it in. This phase intensifies the flavors and gives the sauce a lovely depth. Continue cooking for about a minute while appreciating the delectable aromas that are filling the pan.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and beef or poultry broth into the bowl, creating a flavorful fusion. Ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined and that the sauce has a velvety consistency by stirring them together.
- The dried oregano and basil impart the enchanting aroma of Mediterranean herbs into the sauce. These aromatic ingredients will transport you to the rustic kitchens of Italy and give your dish an authentic touch. Season to taste with salt and pepper, modifying the flavors to your liking.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and allow the sauce to simmer for at least one hour. This method of cooking allows the flavors to blend and develop, resulting in a genuinely delicious and robust sauce. As the aroma fills your home, you anticipate the arrival of a delectable meal.
- During the time that the sauce is simmering, bring a large kettle of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. The visual feast created by the bubbling water and twirling pasta makes you even more eager to plunge into your meal.
- After cooking the spaghetti, drain it well and return it to the saucepan. Pour one or two generous ladles of the simmering Bolognese sauce over the pasta and gently stir to coat each strand. This ensures that each bite of the rich, meaty sauce is precisely balanced.
- Serve the Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese in warm dishes with grated Parmesan cheese on top of each portion. As the cheese melts into the fiery spicy sauce, it imparts a delectable creaminess and savory flavor, elevating the dish to a new level of decadence.
- Gather your loved ones around the table and savor the flavors of this comforting classic. The velvety texture, fragrant herbs, and hearty meat sauce will fill your heart and stomach with happiness, evoking fond recollections of shared meals. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use a combination of minced beef and pork for a more robust flavor in the Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente so that it retains a faint crunch and perfectly complements the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to adjust the level of heat to your liking.
- If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the excess liquid to evaporate and attain a thicker consistency.
- Don’t neglect the step of thoroughly sautéing the vegetables. It aids in flavor development and adds depth to your Bolognese sauce.
What To Serve With Spaghetti Bolognese?
Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese pairs well with a variety of side dishes consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. Additionally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a glass of red wine can complement the flavors and enhance your dining experience.
How To Store Spaghetti Bolognese?
- In The Fridge. To store Traditional Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- In The Freezer. To freeze Traditional Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Remove any excess air and label them with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat Spaghetti Bolognese?
- On The Stovetop. Heat the desired sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat stir occasionally for even heating. After heating, pour the sauce over the newly cooked pasta.
- In The Microwave. Cover a serving of sauce in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or plastic wrap. Stirring in between, reheat the sauce to your desired temperature.
- In The Oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the sauce in an oven-safe dish with foil. Heat it in the oven for 20–30 minutes until heated. Stir sauce before serving.
FAQs
What Makes Bolognese Sauce Thicker?
Simmering the Bolognese sauce for a longer duration and using ingredients like tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, or tomato puree can help thicken it.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Crushed Tomatoes In The Sauce?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used instead of crushed tomatoes in the sauce. Simply chop the tomatoes and adjust the cooking time to allow them to break down and release their juices.
What Herbs And Spices Can I Add To Enhance The Flavor Of The Sauce?
Common herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the sauce include dried oregano, dried basil, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. You can experiment with combinations that suit your taste preferences.
Can I Add Cream Or Milk To The Sauce For A Creamier Texture?
Yes, adding cream or milk to the sauce can create a creamier texture. However, it’s not traditional in Bolognese sauce. Use it sparingly and add it towards the end of cooking.
Try More Nigella Recipes:
Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 300calories
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 4g
Are You Looking For Best Nigella Lawson Cookbooks ? Here Are Top 5 Best Seller Nigella Lawson Cookbooks You Should Have:
- At My Table: A Celebration of Home Cooking
- Nigella Express: 130 Recipes for Good Food, Fast
- Cook, Eat, Repeat: Ingredients, Recipes, and Stories (recommended)
- Nigellissima: Easy Italian-Inspired Recipes
- Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home
Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese
Description
Nigella’s Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish made with al dente spaghetti covered in a tasty beef sauce flavored with herbs and spices. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long day. When you’re hungry, you can use this tried-and-true recipe to make something rich and filling to eat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spatula, until it is evenly browned and thoroughly cooked. The sizzling sound and tantalizing aroma will make you anxiously anticipate the forthcoming flavors.
- After the beef has been browned, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan. As the vegetable sauté, their enticing aroma permeates the air, creating an appetizing ambiance in the kitchen. Cook until the vegetables become tender and the onion becomes transparent.
- Allow the tomato purée to coat the meat and vegetables as you stir it in. This phase intensifies the flavors and gives the sauce a lovely depth. Continue cooking for about a minute while appreciating the delectable aromas that are filling the pan.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and beef or poultry broth into the bowl, creating a flavorful fusion. Ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined and that the sauce has a velvety consistency by stirring them together.
- The dried oregano and basil impart the enchanting aroma of Mediterranean herbs into the sauce. These aromatic ingredients will transport you to the rustic kitchens of Italy and give your dish an authentic touch. Season to taste with salt and pepper, modifying the flavors to your liking.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and allow the sauce to simmer for at least one hour. This method of cooking allows the flavors to blend and develop, resulting in a genuinely delicious and robust sauce. As the aroma fills your home, you anticipate the arrival of a delectable meal.
- During the time that the sauce is simmering, bring a large kettle of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. The visual feast created by the bubbling water and twirling pasta makes you even more eager to plunge into your meal.
- After cooking the spaghetti, drain it well and return it to the saucepan. Pour one or two generous ladles of the simmering Bolognese sauce over the pasta and gently stir to coat each strand. This ensures that each bite of the rich, meaty sauce is precisely balanced.
- Serve the Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese in warm dishes with grated Parmesan cheese on top of each portion. As the cheese melts into the fiery spicy sauce, it imparts a delectable creaminess and savory flavor, elevating the dish to a new level of decadence.
- Gather your loved ones around the table and savor the flavors of this comforting classic. The velvety texture, fragrant herbs, and hearty meat sauce will fill your heart and stomach with happiness, evoking fond recollections of shared meals. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a combination of minced beef and pork for a more robust flavor in the Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente so that it retains a faint crunch and perfectly complements the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to adjust the level of heat to your liking.
- If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the excess liquid to evaporate and attain a thicker consistency.
- Don’t neglect the step of thoroughly sautéing the vegetables. It aids in flavor development and adds depth to your Bolognese sauce.
Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese