The bay leaves and basil are the magical ingredients to this sauce. They call the money energies to you. As you prepare this and as you eat it, think ahout the way you are nourishing yourself and your life. Think about how abundant you are and how you are making room in your life for more abundance right now in this moment. Think about all that money just flowing toward you, attracted to you by the herbs and the love you put into this sauce.
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Cooked pasta of your choice (e.g., tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or meat mixture) to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Deglaze with Wine:
If using, pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Add Milk:
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the whole milk. This will add richness and creaminess to the sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.
7. Serve:
Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Serve the Bolognese sauce over your cooked pasta, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
– For a richer flavor, you can add pancetta or bacon along with the vegetables.
– This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
