A Guide to Making Traditional Italian Meat-Based Sauces

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, vibrant ingredients, and, of course, its delicious meat-based sauces. These sauces serve as the perfect companion for various pasta dishes, enhancing their taste and texture. This guide will provide you with an overview of traditional Italian meat-based sauces, including how to prepare them and the best dishes to pair them with.

1. Ragù alla Bolognese

Ragù alla Bolognese, or Bolognese sauce, is perhaps the most famous meat sauce in Italy. Originating from Bologna, this sauce is made with ground meat, tomatoes, and a mix of aromatics. To prepare this classic dish:

Ingredients: Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork, onions, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, white wine, milk, and seasonings.
Instructions: Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Pour in white wine, allow it to evaporate, then add tomatoes and simmer for at least one hour. Finish with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Serve this sauce over tagliatelle or use it in lasagna for a rich, comforting meal.

2. Sugo d'Asino

This lesser-known sauce is made from donkey meat, which may sound unusual but is a specialty in some regions of Italy. It boasts a unique flavor profile, making it a delightful dish for adventurous eaters.

Ingredients: Donkey meat, tomatoes, red wine, garlic, onions, and herbs.
Instructions: Brown the chopped donkey meat in a pan, then add chopped onions and garlic. Pour in red wine and let it reduce before adding crushed tomatoes. Simmer for a couple of hours until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

This savory sauce pairs beautifully with pappardelle or thick pasta shapes that can hold the sauce well.

3. Salsa di Carne (Meat Sauce)

Salsa di Carne is a versatile Italian meat sauce that can be adjusted according to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand. This sauce can be made with various types of meat.

Ingredients: Ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken), canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, carrots, and herbs.
Instructions: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in chopped carrots, followed by canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or basil. Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes.

This sauce is perfect for spaghetti, bucatini, or serving with polenta for a hearty meal.

4. Pollo alla Cacciatora (Hunter's Chicken)

While not a traditional 'sauce,' Pollo alla Cacciatora highlights chicken in a savory meat sauce made with tomatoes and vegetables. It's a beloved homestyle dish in Italy.

Ingredients: Chicken pieces, tomatoes, garlic, bell peppers, olives, and herbs.
Instructions: Brown chicken in olive oil, then set aside. In the same pot, sauté garlic and chopped bell peppers. Add olives and tomatoes, then return the chicken to the pot. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

This dish goes wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

5. Sugo al Cinghiale (Wild Boar Sauce)

For those seeking a robust flavor, Sugo al Cinghiale is made from wild boar, giving a deliciously earthy taste to the meal.

Ingredients: Ground wild boar, red wine, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs (like rosemary and bay leaves).
Instructions: Sauté garlic, add ground wild boar, and cook until browned. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, followed by tomatoes and herbs. Let it simmer for at least an hour to develop a deep flavor.

This sauce is delicious over pici or gnocchi, providing a hearty dish perfect for special occasions