Recipe: Ragu Bolognese

Serves 6 to 8 as first course.

Note: Use your preference of meat, but a variety offers depth of flavor. Tagliatelle are long, thin flat noodles about 1/4-in. wide. From Mario Batali.

• 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 4 celery ribs, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

• 3/4 lb. ground pork (see Note)

• 3/4 lb. ground beef (see Note)

• 1 (8-oz.) can tomato paste

• 1 c. milk

• 1 c. dry white wine

• 1 lb. tagliatelle (see Note)

• Parmigiana Reggiano, for serving

Directions

In a 6- to 8-quart enamel-coated heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots and sweat over medium heat until vegetables are translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the veal, pork, and beef and stir into vegetables. Brown over high heat, stirring to keep the meat from sticking. Add the tomato paste, milk and wine. Using a wooden spoon, scrape at the bottom of the pan to dislodge browned bits of meat. Bring just to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 1 to 1½ hours. Season with salt.

Transfer 2 cups of the ragu to a 12- to 14-inch sauté pan and heat gently over medium heat. Cook the tagliatelle for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain the pasta, then add it to the pan with the ragu and toss over medium heat until it is coated and the sauce is dispersed, about 1 minute. Divide evenly among 6 to 8 warmed bowls. Grate Parmigiano Reggiano over each bowl and serve immediately.

Nutrition information per each of 8 servings:

Calories603Fat23 gSodium580 mg

Carbohydrates62 gSaturated fat8 gCalcium99 mg

Protein35 gCholesterol93 mgDietary fiber5 g