Description
This Simple Black Garlic Bolognese Sauce is a rich and savory Italian-inspired meat sauce that combines the deep umami flavors of black garlic with classic Bolognese ingredients. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal, this sauce uses lean ground beef and fresh vegetables simmered in crushed tomatoes to create a hearty, aromatic dish that pairs beautifully with pasta or as a filling for various baked dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (choose a lean cut for a healthier option)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot (grated or finely diced)
- 1 stalk Celery (finely chopped)
- 4-5 cloves Black Garlic (provides a unique sweet and savory flavor, finely chopped)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (canned, for the sauce base)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 handful Fresh Basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft, which enhances their natural sweetness.
- Add carrot and celery: Incorporate grated carrot and chopped celery into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 7-10 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add black garlic: Finely chop the black garlic and stir it into the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes to release its sweet and savory aroma.
- Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning and add basil: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the hot Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a savory filling for other dishes, Enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine before simmering the sauce.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding to the skillet.
- Black garlic has a sweet and mellow flavor; adjust quantity based on your preference.
- This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added depth.
