The real Bolognese (original recipe from Bologna)

About the recipe
The original Bolognese sauce from Bologna, Italy, is an iconic dish that is deeply rooted in the culinary tradition of the region. With its rich taste and authentic character, it delights connoisseurs all over the world.
These instructions are based on the latest version of the original recipe for Bolognese from the Italian Academy of Cuisine (modified on April 20, 2023).
This recipe is also used for the world-famous lasagne Bolognese, but is also excellent with tagliatelle and pappardelle.
See recipe:
Tagliatelle with Bolognese ragout (The original)
Ingredients

For 6 to 8 people
Picture guide
First, fry the diced bacon in olive oil for a few minutes [1]. Then add the finely chopped vegetables and fry for about 5 minutes so that they fall apart [2]. Now add the mince [3] and fry vigorously for about 10 minutes so that it is brown on all sides and the liquid that escapes evaporates immediately [4].

Pour the wine into the pan and allow it to evaporate for several minutes until the smell of alcohol disappears [5]. Now add the tomato purée [ 6], tomato puree [7] and half of the stock [8].

Stir everything in thoroughly [9] and cook the bolognese for 2 to 3 hours with the lid on [10]. Halfway through the cooking time, you can add whole milk, which must be completely reduced [11]. The remaining stock can be added as required [12].

As soon as the cooking time is over, season with salt and pepper. The ragout should be creamy and have a nice, dark orange color.
Questions
Which meat is used for Bolognese?
Bolognese is traditionally made with minced beef. However, according to the official recipe of the Bologna Chamber of Commerce, a mixture with pork is also permitted, but the proportion should not exceed 40 percent.
How much Bolognese do you need per person?
A portion of pasta with Bolognese as a main course usually weighs 400 to 550 grams. This requires 100 grams of (dry) pasta and 300 grams of Bolognese sauce, consisting of around 170 grams of minced meat, 100 grams of tomatoes and 30 grams of vegetables.
How long does Bolognese need to cook?
The Italian Academy of Cuisine specifies a cooking time of 2 to 3 hours for Bolognese. For the first half of the cooking time, it is simmered on a low heat with the lid closed. Whole milk can then be added, which must be completely reduced.u003cbru003e
More on the topic
- Bolognese: What can and can’t go in it? (official recipe)
- Bolognese cooking time: How long does Bolognese need to cook?
- Heat up the Bolognese: This is how the flavor unfolds
- Cooking Bolognese properly: how to keep it delicious for a long time
- Store the Bolognese: How to preserve the taste
- Freeze & defrost the Bolognese: How to preserve the taste
- Quantities for Bolognese: How much Bolognese per person?