By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 29, 2023 | Last Updated on September 29, 2023
Harry Hamlin is not only known for his acting skills, but he also has a passion for cooking and creating delicious dishes in the kitchen. One of his famous recipes is his hearty and flavorful bolognese sauce which will leave you wanting more.
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese from scratch, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
This classic Italian dish is perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress your guests with an authentic homemade meal. So get ready to channel your inner Harry Hamlin in the kitchen!
What is Harry Hamlin Bolognese?
Harry Hamlin Bolognese is a rich and hearty meat-based pasta sauce that originated from the city of Bologna in Northern Italy. This dish is traditionally made with ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, wine, and tomatoes.
It’s then simmered for hours to develop a deep and complex flavor. However, Harry Hamlin puts his own spin on this classic dish by using simple ingredients that can be found in most households.
His version of Bolognese is packed with savory flavors and is perfect for a quick and easy homemade meal.
Why You’ll Love This Harry Hamlin Bolognese?
- One of the main reasons why you’ll love this bolognese is because of its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious and comforting meal in no time.
- Additionally, Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese is versatile and can be customized to your preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, add in your favorite vegetables, or even substitute ground beef with other types of meat. This recipe allows for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen.
- Furthermore, this bolognese is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts. So whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a group, this will surely satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
- Overall, Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese is a simple yet delicious dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.
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Ingredients
- Garlic cloves: This adds a delicious garlicky flavor to the bolognese sauce.
- Salt and pepper: These are essential for seasoning the beef and adding flavor to the sauce.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice for bolognese, but feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Ground beef: The base for this hearty and meaty sauce. You can also use ground pork or a combination of both.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of saltiness and richness to the sauce.
- Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding flavor to the sauce.
- Beef broth: Provides depth of flavor to the sauce. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth.
- White sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Bay leaves: These add a subtle herbal flavor to the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base for the sauce, providing a rich and hearty texture. You can also use diced or whole canned tomatoes.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth of tomato flavor to the sauce.
- Thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs well with beef and adds a subtle earthiness to the sauce.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the sauce.
- Beef bouillon cubes: These add an extra boost of beefy flavor to the sauce. You can also use beef stock instead.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Prep the ingredients
- Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley and thyme.
- Finely chop the onion.
Step 2
Cook the spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3
Brown the beef
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Step 4
Add the aromatics
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 5
Add the remaining ingredients
- Add in the beef broth, white sugar, bay leaves, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme sprigs, and beef bouillon cubes to the skillet.
Step 6
Simmer and season
- Bring the bolognese sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7
Serve and enjoy
- Serve the bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious Harry Hamlin Bolognese!
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, you can omit the ground beef and use a combination of mushrooms and lentils instead.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition Information
How to store Harry Hamlin Bolognese?
Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw and heat on the stove or microwave until hot.
For best results, store the sauce and pasta separately. Cooked spaghetti tends to absorb liquid, so storing it with the sauce can result in a mushy texture. When ready to eat, simply reheat both components separately and combine for a delicious meal.
What other substitute can I use in Harry Hamlin Bolognese?
Here are a few other options you can use to substitute the ingredients in this bolognese:
- Ground pork or a combination of ground beef and pork instead of just ground beef.
- Red wine instead of beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Diced tomatoes or whole canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. Just make sure to crush them with your hands before adding to the sauce.
- Oregano or basil instead of thyme. These herbs also pair well with beef and tomatoes.
Harry Hamlin Bolognese Recipe
Equipment
- Stirrer
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper
- 800 g spaghetti dried
- 2 lb ground beef
- Parmesan cheese
- Finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 4 dried bay leaves
- 2 cans 28 oz crushed tomato
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 onion
- 4 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- To begin, finely chop four garlic cloves and a handful of parsley. Mince the garlic to release its bold flavor, and chop the parsley for a fresh pop of color in your dish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 800 g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside for later use.
- Moving on to our savory bolognese sauce, heat up three tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is heated, add in two pounds of ground beef and cook until it turns a rich brown color. As you cook the beef, be sure to break it up with a wooden spoon for even browning.
- Now, time to add in our aromatic flavors. Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion into the skillet and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. With the beef now cooked and aromatics infused, it’s time to add in the remaining ingredients. Pour in one cup of beef broth, one tablespoon of white sugar, four dried bay leaves, two cans of 28 oz crushed tomatoes, a quarter cup of tomato paste, four sprigs of fresh thyme, and four beef bouillon cubes into the skillet. Bring the bolognese sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and hearty sauce.
- As the sauce simmers, take this time to taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. This is where you can make it more or less savory based on your taste buds.
- Once the bolognese sauce is done simmering, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Place a generous helping of spaghetti onto a plate and top it off with the hearty bolognese sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, you can omit the ground beef and use a combination of mushrooms and lentils instead.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes for this?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Simply chop them and add them to the skillet when you would add the crushed tomatoes.
Is this bolognese spicy?
No, Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese is not a spicy dish. However, if you prefer some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, feel free to adjust the ingredients and make a larger batch if needed. Just make sure your pot or skillet can accommodate the extra volume.
Conclusion
Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this classic Italian sauce in no time.
Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make your own substitutions, this bolognese will surely become a family favorite. So go ahead and give it a try!
Thank you for reading this article. Please share this with your friends and family who love to cook or are fans of Harry Hamlin.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
