Harry Hamlin Cooks Famed Bolognese Sauce: Irresistible Recipe

The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs wafts through the air, inviting you to experience a dish that warms both the heart and soul. Harry Hamlin cooks famed bolognese sauce, a perfect blend of flavors that transports you straight to Italy with every bite.

Imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, laughter filling the room as you dig into a hearty bowl of this rich, comforting sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary adventures and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This bolognese sauce is easy to prepare and perfect for even novice cooks
  • The flavor profile is rich and savory, with layers of deliciousness in every spoonful
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
  • Versatile enough for pasta, lasagna, or even as a pizza topping

Sharing this bolognese sauce with my family always brings smiles and happy bellies; it’s our go-to comfort food that never disappoints.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Use high-quality beef for a richer flavor; ideally 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best.

  • Pancetta: This adds a smoky depth; be sure to chop it finely for even distribution.

  • Onion: Choose a yellow onion; it caramelizes beautifully and adds sweetness to the sauce.

  • Carrot: Finely chopped carrots bring natural sweetness; they should be diced small to cook evenly.

  • Celery: Celery adds crunch and flavor; make sure it’s fresh for the best taste.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; crush them just before cooking for maximum aroma.

  • Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; they provide the best texture once crushed.

  • Red Wine: Use a good quality red wine for depth; avoid cooking wine as it’s often too salty.

  • Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess; don’t skip this step as it balances acidity from the tomatoes.

  • Herbs (Basil and Oregano): Fresh herbs are preferred; they add brightness and lift the flavors of the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until everything softens and becomes fragrant.

Add Meat and Pancetta: Stir in ground beef and pancetta. Cook until browned all over—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning adds lots of flavors!

Incorporate Garlic and Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic followed by canned tomatoes, crushing them gently with your hands as you add them to release their juices.

Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any brown bits stuck at the bottom—those little morsels are flavor gold! Let it simmer until reduced by half.

Add Milk and Seasonings: Stir in milk along with dried oregano and basil. Allow this to simmer gently on low heat for at least 30 minutes; longer if you have time—flavors deepen beautifully!

Serve It Up!: Finally, serve your bolognese sauce over al dente pasta or layer it in lasagna. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that final touch of decadence!

Enjoying Harry Hamlin’s famed bolognese sauce is like wrapping yourself in an Italian hug! Cooking together brings people together—so gather your loved ones around this timeless dish!

You Must Know

  • This iconic bolognese sauce not only offers rich, mouth-watering flavors but also brings warmth to any dinner table
  • The aromatic blend of ingredients creates a symphony of scents that will make your kitchen feel like Italy
  • Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then brown the meat before adding tomatoes. This order ensures vibrant flavors meld beautifully together, creating a robust sauce.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or add chopped mushrooms for extra depth. A splash of red wine can elevate the sauce, enhancing its complexity and richness.

Storing & Reheating

To store, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Reheat on low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • This bolognese sauce is all about slow cooking; patience makes flavors develop beautifully
  • Always taste as you go for perfect seasoning
  • Don’t skip fresh herbs; they add incredible brightness at the end of cooking!

There’s nothing quite like the first time you serve a homemade bolognese and watch your friends devour it like they’ve never eaten before. It’s those moments that truly make cooking worthwhile.

FAQs

FAQ

What is Harry Hamlin’s secret ingredient for bolognese sauce?

Harry often adds a hint of nutmeg for unexpected warmth and depth in flavor.

How long should I simmer bolognese sauce?

For optimal flavor, simmer your sauce for at least two hours on low heat.

Can I freeze leftover bolognese sauce?

Yes, this sauce freezes well! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container before freezing.

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Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese Sauce


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  • Author: Sophia Bennett
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of Harry Hamlin’s famed bolognese sauce. This classic Italian dish combines simmered tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to create a mouth-watering sauce that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe guarantees satisfaction and requests for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 oz pancetta, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 cup red wine (good quality)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. Add ground beef and pancetta; cook until browned (8-10 minutes).
  3. Stir in minced garlic and canned tomatoes; crush the tomatoes gently.
  4. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any brown bits; simmer until reduced by half.
  5. Stir in milk and dried herbs; let simmer on low for at least 30 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing/Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
About the author
Sophia Bennett

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