Recipes

Although our greater depth of knowledge and interest is in Italian cuisine, we plan to offer original recipes from families of several of the nations surrounding the Mediterranean basin. Here again, we will reference excellent existing sources whether or not we can improve on them. And so...MANGIA, MANGIA.

Most of the Italian recipes in this section come from the memory and imagination of Chef Sebastian Dechiario, the current guardian of the "passion for the kitchen" ("la passione per la cucina") embodied in our wives, mothers and grandmothers.

GS

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Bolognese Sauce

January 24, 2006

Bolognese Sauce
 
1 medium onion finely diced
1 carrot finely diced
1 celery stalk finely diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
3 Tbs tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs butter
 
Use a skillet large enough to hold the meat. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, onion, carrot,
and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened. Crumble the meat into the pan and using the
back of a spoon (preferably a wooden spoon) break up the meat into smaller pieces while cooking
until the meat is lightly browned. Add the wine and cook until the wine is absorbed. Add the tomato
paste and continue cooking and stirring approximately five minutes. Add broth and continue to stir
until the broth evaporates by one half. Add the milk; cook for two or three minutes. Remove from
the heat and add the butter stirring until butter is melted and incorporated into the sauce. 
 
Meanwhile, bring six quarts of water to a boil. Add two tablespoon of salt. Cook your favorite
pasta until al dente (to the tooth).
 
I prefer a shot tubular pasta like Penne, Ziti or Rigatoni rigate (with ridges). The sauce clings
to these pastas well. Farfalle (butterflies or bowties) also go well with sauce.
 
Note: When preparing any dish, it should be noted that there are many varieties of preparation
as there are cooks. Even members of the same family may vary the ingredients in a meal.
 
The above sauce may even be used for Lasagna.
 
Enjoy cooking. Have fun!
 

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