Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Elevate Your Spaghetti Bolognese: Unexpected Ingredients for a Flavorful Twist
Reimagine your next spaghetti bolognese with two unconventional additions that promise to revitalize this classic dish, though traditionalists might balk. Originating in Bologna, the meat sauce was initially served as a topping for tagliatelle, a broad, flat pasta, according to Prezzo. Today, bolognese sauce is a worldwide favorite, with many adhering strictly to traditional recipes, while others explore variations to amplify distinct flavors. These additions can create a depth of flavor in your bolognese recipe.
A Chef’s Bold Take on a Beloved Classic
Chef Alison Roman, a celebrated culinary expert, author, and online personality, has presented her unique interpretation of this timeless recipe. Roman suggests a daring variation to elevate your bolognese sauce that is both easy to follow and delicious.
Fennel: The Secret Weapon
According to a recipe featured on her website, Roman’s spaghetti bolognese includes familiar components such as tomato, rich meat, wine, and milk. However, it diverges from tradition by excluding carrots and celery.
Instead, she incorporates a fennel bulb, noting its resemblance to carrots in sweetness and celery in its vegetal character. She intensifies the flavor by including fennel seed.
The Preparation Method
Incorporating the Fennel Bulb
For those willing to experiment, the finely chopped fennel bulb should be introduced alongside the garlic and onion when the meat is approximately 80% browned, then seasoned with salt and pepper.
Adding Fennel Seed and Red Pepper Flakes
After the meat has achieved your desired level of browning and the garlic and fennel have softened adequately, add two tablespoons of fennel seed combined with red pepper flakes.