FRESH RIGATONI WITH BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Culinary Symphony: Fresh Rigatoni with Bolognese Sauce Extravaganza

Embark on a culinary journey that brings the heart of Italy to your dinner table with our Fresh Rigatoni with Bolognese Sauce. This exquisite dish combines the irresistible texture of homemade pasta with the rich, savory flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds singing. Prepare to indulge in the culinary artistry of fresh pasta and the time-honored allure of Bolognese sauce.

Ingredients

For the Fresh Rigatoni:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Garnish:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Fresh Rigatoni:

  1. On a clean surface, create a mound with the all-purpose flour and make a well in the center.
  2. Crack the eggs into the well, add salt, and gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out the dough and cut it into desired rigatoni shapes.
  5. Cook the fresh rigatoni in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Bolognese Sauce:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Pour in red wine if using, and let it simmer until slightly reduced.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, whole milk, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and ground nutmeg.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Assembly:

  1. Toss the cooked fresh rigatoni with a portion of the Bolognese sauce.
  2. Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, topping each serving with additional Bolognese sauce.
  3. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Cook Notes

  • Make a larger batch of fresh rigatoni and freeze for future use.
  • The longer the Bolognese sauce simmers, the richer the flavors will become.
  • Adjust the consistency of the sauce with a splash of water or milk if needed.

Variations

Vegetarian Twist:

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.

Turkey Bolognese:

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to create a lighter version of the Bolognese sauce.

Keto Versions

For a keto-friendly adaptation:

  • Keto Pasta Alternative: Replace the fresh rigatoni with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
  • Low-Carb Bolognese: Use ground beef or ground pork and omit the carrots to reduce the carbohydrate content.

Keto Cook Notes

  • Adjust the seasoning to enhance the bold flavors, as the absence of carbohydrates may affect the overall taste.
  • Consider adding a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce for extra richness.

Low Carb Versions

For those seeking a lower-carb option:

  • Low-Carb Pasta Substitutes: Explore alternatives like almond flour pasta or spiralized vegetables.
  • Reduced-Carb Bolognese: Reduce the amount of carrots and use a sugar-free tomato sauce.

Low Carb Cook Notes

  • Experiment with different low-carb pasta alternatives until you find your preferred option.
  • Ensure the sauce is well-seasoned to compensate for the reduced sweetness from fewer carrots.

In conclusion, our Fresh Rigatoni with Bolognese Sauce Extravaganza is a celebration of authentic Italian flavors, combining the craftsmanship of homemade pasta with the soul-warming richness of Bolognese sauce. Whether you opt for the classic recipe or venture into keto or low-carb adaptations, the result is a culinary masterpiece that transcends dietary preferences. So, gather your ingredients, immerse yourself in the art of pasta-making, and savor the aromatic allure of Bolognese sauce as it envelops each fresh rigatoni. This dish is more than a meal; it’s a journey into the heart of Italian cuisine, promising an unforgettable dining experience. Buon Appetito!