Italian Bolognese Sauce

Prep Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 6
THC Content: 16mg/serving

About this Recipe

Bolognese sauce is the heart and soul of Italian comfort food, but this version comes with a modern twist: a cannabis infusion that adds an extra layer of indulgence to an already luxurious dish. Originating from Bologna, this iconic recipe is celebrated for its depth of flavor and hearty, satisfying nature. With the infusion, this sauce becomes the perfect centerpiece for an elevated dining experience.

At its core, Bolognese is all about simplicity and patience. The combination of finely chopped vegetables, rich ground meats, and creamy milk creates a silky base that’s further enhanced by aromatic herbs and a slow simmer in crushed tomatoes and wine. With the infusion, the flavors are carefully balanced to ensure the cannabis complements the dish without overpowering it.

This version is designed for those looking to take their cannabis-infused culinary journey to the next level while staying true to authentic Italian principles. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for friends or hosting a private cannabis dinner, this sauce offers a versatile and luxurious foundation for countless dishes. From infused lasagna to freshly made tagliatelle, every plate is an opportunity to savor the richness of this classic recipe with an elevated twist.

Let this infused Bolognese sauce become your go-to for creating memorable, elevated dining experiences, bringing a touch of Italy—and a hint of relaxation—to your table.

Ingredients

• Meat Base

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

  • ½ lb ground pork

  • 4 oz pancetta, diced

• Vegetable Base

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced

  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced

  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Liquids

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup dry white wine

  • 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed

• Seasonings & Extras

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

  • 1 Tbsp. Infused Butter or Olive Oil (100mg per Tablespoon)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Base

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, render the diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.

• Add ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then remove excess grease.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Using the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Build the Sauce

• Add the tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables. Return the cooked meat and pancetta to the pot.

• Pour in the milk, cooking gently until absorbed. Follow with the white wine, allowing it to reduce slightly.

• Add the crushed tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer for Flavor

• Reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

5. Infuse and Finish

• Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.

• Off the heat, add the infused olive oil or butter to the sauce and mix well to incorporate. This step ensures the cannabis infusion is preserved without overheating.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Toss the Bolognese with your favorite pasta (tagliatelle recommended) and top with freshly grated Parmesan.

Cooking Tips from Chef Roilty

• Go Fresh When Possible: Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to elevate the sauce's flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs work well but reduce the quantity by half.

• Layer Your Flavors: Add milk before the tomatoes to tenderize the meat and balance acidity.

• Don’t Rush: The key to a flavorful Bolognese is slow cooking. Let the sauce simmer to deepen the flavors.

• Texture Matters: Chop your vegetables finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the sauce.Chef’s Notes

Chef’s Notes

• For a modern twist, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a small Parmesan rind during the simmering process.

• This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a big batch and store portions for easy weeknight meals.

• Pair this dish with a bold red wine like Barolo or Chianti for the ultimate Italian experience.

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Check out more infused recipes from Chef Roilty

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