Adding a Parmesan rind to spaghetti bolognese sauce is a simple trick that instantly elevates the dish, delivering a richer and more flavoursome result. The recipe, featured by Good Food, incorporates this unorthodox ingredient alongside others to create what it describes as the ultimate pasta dish.
Why Add Parmesan Rind?
As the sauce simmers, the Parmesan rind slowly releases its flavour, imparting a fuller and more well-rounded character. This technique requires no extra effort and uses a common food scrap that might otherwise be discarded.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Bolognese
The recipe serves eight people and includes: olive oil, 400g beef mince, 400g Italian pork sausages (skinned and crumbled), 200g smoked pancetta, one finely chopped onion, one finely chopped carrot, two finely chopped celery sticks, four chopped garlic cloves, one sprig of thyme, a small bunch of fresh basil, two bay leaves, two teaspoons of dried oregano, a handful of dried porcini mushrooms, one teaspoon of golden caster sugar, one tablespoon of tomato puree, half a teaspoon of Thai fish sauce, one tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 100ml whole milk, four 400g cans of chopped tomatoes, 200ml white wine, 100g grated Parmesan (rind removed and kept), and spaghetti to serve.
Method
Drizzle olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan and crumble in the mince and sausagemeat. Cook for 30 minutes, adding more oil if dry, until dotted with crispy brown pieces. Heat the oven to 140C/120C Fan. Drizzle oil into a casserole dish and fry the pancetta for five minutes. Add the vegetables, herbs, and dried porcini, and cook for five minutes. Scatter over the sugar and tomato puree, add fish sauce and vinegar, and stir until thick and sticky. Fold through the meat, milk, and tomatoes. Rinse the tomato tins with wine and pour in. Season generously, then tuck in the Parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and place in the oven for three hours.
Serving Suggestions
Once ready, transfer portions of bolognese to a sauté pan. Cook pasta until al dente, toss into the pan with a splash of water, and finish cooking for two minutes. Fold through Parmesan and olive oil. Twist into bowls, top with fresh basil, and serve with extra cheese.
According to the recipe notes: "Ramp up your usual spaghetti bolognese with this recipe, which throws in a few unorthodox methods and ingredients to deliver the ultimate pasta dish." The addition of Parmesan rind is highlighted as a wonderfully simple method to enhance the sauce's depth and richness.
