SNOW DAY BOLOGNESE

The last couple weeks in Portland have been exciting, fun, frustrating and annoying. We got a foot of snow overnight, which was exciting. The first few days were fun; playing around in the powder and cozying up on neighborhood bar stools. But now, with the ice, freezing rain and dirty slush, I just wish it would go away and Portland could get back to its standard winter routine: 40 degree temps and rain.

But, I digress. Mother Nature does her thing and there’s really nothing to do about it and no sense in complaining. SO, I’m embracing this shit and making cozy, hearty foods, like this Snow Day Bolognese. 

According to Wikipedia, Bolognese /bɒləˈnjeɪz/ is a meat-based ragu sauce originating in Bologna, Italy (which is also where bologna/baloney originated, obviously). It’s savory, filling and you can really throw whatever you have into it, which is what I did. 

I first browned the ground beef, removed it from the pan and then used the grease, or at least some of it, to sauté the onions, garlic, red peppers and mushrooms. When they veg was soft, I put the beef back into the pot and then added two cans of stewed Italian tomatoes (the ones with the charred bits on the outer flesh). I added some spices, let it simmer for about 45 minutes, cooked up some fettuccini and tossed it all together in a hot pan with some reserved pasta water.

I didn’t have any basil, which would have been ideal, so the green garnish is actually baby kale. Just for looks, not taste. (Did I fool you?)

This dish was delish and made me feel all warm and cozy. So, overall success. 

Anywho, it’s supposed to rain all night tonight so hoping to wake up to a snow-free Portland. WE WILL SEE!