Ragù Bolognese (North Italian Meat Sauce)

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Ground beef - 1 pound (450 grams)
2. Ground pork - 1 pound (450 grams)
3. Carrots - 2 medium, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
4. Celery - 2 stalks, chopped (about ½ cup)
5. Onion - 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup)
6. Tomatoes - 2 pounds (900 grams), chopped or used as tomato puree
7. Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
8. Bay leaves - 2-3
9. Salt and pepper - to taste
10. Beef broth or water - 2 cups

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Total: About 2 hours

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and pork and cook until no longer raw, breaking up any large clumps.
3. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes or tomato puree.
5. Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour in the beef broth or water and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve over pasta or as a sauce for other dishes.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming the dish will be divided into 8 portions)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 calories per serving (depending on the type of pasta served with it)
• Fat: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams (if served with pasta)
• Protein: 25-35 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and hearty, perfect for colder weather.
• The combination of beef and pork gives it a unique flavor profile.
• The longer it simmers, the better the flavor becomes, making it a great dish to prepare ahead of time.

User Comments:

1. "This is the best Bolognese sauce I've ever made! The flavor is amazing."
2. "I added a little red wine during the cooking process, which gave it a nice depth of flavor."
3. "I served it over pasta and it was a hit with my family."
4. "This sauce is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen."
5. "The dish tastes even better the next day, so it's great for leftovers."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality tomato puree or fresh tomatoes to ensure the best flavor.
• Simmering the sauce for a longer time will enhance the flavor, but be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning periodically.
• Consider adding a splash of red wine during the cooking process for added flavor complexity (optional).