Maccheroni alla Bolognese by Pellegrino Artusi 1891
Recipe for Maccheroni alla Bolognese by Pellegrino Artusi, who played a fundamental role in the codification of ragù as we know it today, particularly in Emilia-Romagna.
Ingredients:
- 500 g maccheroni (or "denti di cavallo," a slightly curved type of pasta, or any other wide pasta)
- 300 g veal (or minced veal)
- 100 g pancetta or lard
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- 500 ml beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper
- Grated cheese (pecorino or parmesan, to taste)
Preparation:
-
Prepare the ragù base:
In a large pan or pot, sauté the pancetta or lard cut into small pieces in a bit of oil or butter, until golden and the fat has melted. -
Sauté the vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them gently until tender and slightly golden. -
Add the meat:
Add the minced veal (or cut into small pieces) and brown it over medium heat. Make sure the meat is cooked through and lightly browned. -
Deglaze:
Pour in the white wine and let it reduce, scraping the fond from the bottom of the pan to add flavor. -
Add broth and tomatoes:
Add the warm beef broth and the tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, checking that the sauce doesn’t become too thick. If necessary, add a bit more broth. -
Cook the maccheroni:
While the ragù is simmering, cook the maccheroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some cooking water. -
Assemble and serve:
Mix the maccheroni with some of the sauce, then serve on plates. Generously sprinkle with grated cheese. According to Artusi, the ragù should only be a moderate accompaniment, with cheese being the main seasoning for the dish.
Notes:
- This recipe marks an important milestone in the history of ragù, as Artusi standardized the dish and made maccheroni alla bolognese an iconic dish in Italian cuisine.
- The ragù is a moderate accompaniment in this recipe, unlike today when it is often the main component of the dish.
- The maccheroni at the time were long and curved, resembling "denti di cavallo" (horse teeth), but you can use bucatini or even penne.