If there's one dish that embodies classic comfort food, it's Bolognese. This traditional Italian meat sauce is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. And while there are many variations of Bolognese sauce, nothing beats the authentic version made by an Italian nonna. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to cooking Bolognese like a pro, so you can enjoy this classic comfort food at home. Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta

Instructions:

1. Start by prepping your vegetables. Peel and chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and celery into small pieces.
2. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up any large clumps with a spoon.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
4. Return the ground beef to the pot, and add the red wine. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or stock.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
8. While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions.
9. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• For an even richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or milk towards the end of the cooking process.
• To make the sauce ahead of time, simply refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve. Reheat gently over low heat, and add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen it up.
• Bolognese sauce is also delicious served over polenta or mashed potatoes, or as a filling for lasagna.

Cooking Bolognese like an Italian nonna may take some time and effort, but the result is a delicious and deeply satisfying dish that's worth the effort. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate this classic comfort food at home and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.