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pasta genovese

pasta genovese

Pasta Genovese is a traditional Italian dish from Liguria featuring a rich and flavorful sauce made from softened onions and slow-cooked beef, delivering a comforting taste of Italy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 skillet or frying pan
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 knife and cutting board
  • 1 colander
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g pasta Such as trofie, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
  • 1 kg onions Finely chopped.
  • 500 g beef Chuck or stew meat, cut into small cubes.
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • 100 ml white wine
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • Grated Parmesan cheese For serving (optional).

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent (about 15-20 minutes).
  • Add the minced garlic and beef cubes to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is coated with the onion mixture.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides (about 10 minutes).
  • Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for around 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
  • While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • Once the Genovese sauce is ready, combine the drained pasta with the sauce in the pot. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Mix well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

The longer you cook the sauce, the more flavorful it will become, so let it simmer gently.
You can add carrots or celery for extra flavor and depth to the sauce if desired.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.