Guide Note

Pasta Bolognese is a meat based sauce originating in Bologna, Italy, traditionally served over tagliatelle or rigatoni. While outside of Italy, the sauce has been equated with tomato, a traditional bolognese has very little of the vegetable, and relies on a combination of vegetables, wine, milk, meat and a long period of simmering for its rich flavor.

Fast Facts

1. Traditional recipe has no, or very little, tomato
2. Bolognese means "in the style of Bologna"
3. Pronounced "bo-lone-YAYZ-ay"
4. Dates to the 5th century
5. Seasoned with small amount of cinnamon

As declared by the Accademia Italiana della Cucina, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Italian cuisine, the ingredients of a proper bolognese are:

1. Beef
2. Pancetta
3. Onions
4. Carrots
5. Celery
6. Tomato paste
7. Meat broth
8. White wine
9. Milk or cream