Lamb Bolognese

By: Brandy O'Neill


  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Course: Entrée


Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 2 large carrots, fine dice
  • 2 celery stalks, fine dice
  • 1 yellow onion, fine dice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can whole tomatoes
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound pasta, cooked (e.g. fettuccine, linguine, etc.)
  • Parmesan cheese, for topping

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground lamb and start to brown. After the mixture is about half browned, add in carrots, celery and onions. Cook until the vegetables just start to soften and the meat is fully browned.
  2. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. To deglaze the pan, pour in red wine and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
  4. Cook for about 5 minutes to cook down a little of the red wine.
  5. Add in tomatoes and break apart in the pan.
  6. Add in thyme, tomato paste and 2 cups water. Mix together until combined and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer on low heat until the mixture has cooked down and is thick. Add in remaining 2 cups water, repeat process. This in total should take around 2-3 hours.
  7. Add in milk and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 minutes until thick and delicious.
  8. Keep sauce warm while pasta cooks. Serve atop fresh pasta with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.