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Lamb Bolognese: How to Make It Like a Pro

Lamb Bolognese: How to Make It Rich and Flavorful

Wondering how to switch up your pasta routine? Lamb Bolognese is a flavorful alternative worth making. Try this version today.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Ground lamb
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large Yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 medium Carrots finely diced
  • 2 stalks Celery finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste concentrated
  • 1 cup Dry red wine Chianti or Sangiovese recommended
  • 28 oz Crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • To taste Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound Pasta pappardelle or tagliatelle ideal
  • For serving Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • For garnish Fresh basil leaves torn

Instructions
 

  • ❶. Prepare the Soffritto Base
    The foundation of any authentic Lamb Bolognese begins with properly prepared aromatic vegetables:
    ● Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking
    ● Add your finely diced onions, carrots, and celery to create the aromatic foundation of Lamb Bolognes
    ● Sauté gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften considerably and begin to release their natural sweetness
    ● Add minced garlic in the final 30 seconds of cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning
    ❷. Cook the Lamb
    Properly cooking the lamb is crucial for developing the signature flavor of Lamb Bolognese:
    ● Increase heat to medium-high once your soffritto is properly softened
    ● Add ground lamb to the pot in an even layer
    ● Allow the lamb to cook undisturbed for about 1 minute to begin browning
    ● Break up the meat with a wooden spoon into small, uniform pieces while continuing to cook
    ● Cook until lamb is no longer pink throughout, approximately 5-7 minutes total
    ● Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the Lamb Bolognes
    ❸. Build the Sauce
    This stage creates the foundation for the complex flavor profile of your Lamb Bolognese:
    ● Add tomato paste to the cooked lamb and vegetable mixture
    ● Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly which deepens the flavor foundation of your Lamb Bolognes
    ● Pour in red wine while scraping the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond) that have developed
    ● Allow the wine to reduce by half, approximately 3-4 minutes, intensifying the flavor of your Lamb Bolognes
    ● Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, and thymeStir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients into a cohesive Lamb Bolognese sauce
    ❹. Simmer the Lamb Bolognese
    The simmering phase is where the magic happens for your Lamb Bolognes:
    ● Reduce heat to low once all ingredients are incorporated
    ● Maintain a gentle simmer with occasional small bubbles breaking the surface
    ● Leave uncovered and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking
    ● Observe as the Lamb Bolognes gradually thickens and develops a rich, complex aroma
    ● Taste periodically and adjust seasonings as needed, remembering that flavors intensify as the Lamb Bolognes reduces
    ❺. Cook Pasta and Serve
    The final stage brings your Lamb Bolognese and pasta together in perfect harmony:
    ● Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil
    ● Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente (typically 1-2 minutes less than indicated cooking time)
    ● Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of starchy pasta cooking water
    ● Drain pasta and immediately return to cooking pot
    ● Add a generous portion of your simmered Lamb Bolognes sauce directly to the pasta
    ● Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency
    ● Gently toss pasta and Lamb Bolognese together to coat every strand
    ● Serve immediately in warmed bowls topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano and torn basil leaves

Notes

📊 Nutritional Information

Per serving of Lamb Bolognese (approximately 1 cup sauce with 2 oz dry pasta):
  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Iron: 15% DV
  • Calcium: 8% DV
  • Vitamin A: 70% DV
  • Vitamin C: 25% DV
Keyword lamb, pasta sauce, winter recipe, comfort food, dinner idea, Italian lamb, holiday dish, rich sauce