Phil’s Bolognese

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• pinch chili flakes
• 4 medium carrots
• 3 stalks celery
• 1 kg ground beef
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 28 oz cans san marzano tomatoes
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• 1 optional parmesan rind

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the carrots, celery, and chili flakes.
5. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
6. In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
7. Drain excess fat if needed.
8. Add the browned beef to the vegetable mixture.
9. Pour in the red wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
10. Stir in the tomato paste.
11. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices.
12. Lightly crush the tomatoes with a spoon or potato masher.
13. Season with salt and pepper.
14. Add the basil leaves and Parmesan rind if using.
15. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
16. Remove the Parmesan rind and basil stems.
17. Serve over pasta with freshly grated Parmesan.