Description
A hearty and flavorful Classic Greek Style Bolognese that brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table. Made with ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant spices like oregano and cinnamon, this cozy sauce simmers to perfection and pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 500 grams Ground Meat (beef or lamb) – choose lamb for a richer flavor
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Carrot, grated or finely diced
- 1 stalk Celery, finely chopped
Sauce and Seasoning
- 400 grams Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 pinch Ground Cinnamon
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 handful Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté onion: Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, building a sweet flavor base.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Incorporate minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Cook these for 3-4 minutes until they soften and meld together.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits.
- Season the sauce: Add dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop a rich and thick texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Add fresh parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Bolognese sauce hot over your favorite pasta or with crusty bread, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer taste, using lamb meat is recommended, though beef works well too.
- Simmering the sauce longer than 30 minutes can deepen the flavors further.
- Pair with pasta like spaghetti or pappardelle for a classic presentation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Adding a splash of red wine during the simmering step can enhance the depth of flavor.
