The Beef Bolognese, for most of us, is our all-time favourite pasta dish. In fact, the Beef Bolognese is always competing with carbonara as the local favourite pasta recipe. However, some people (like me) dislike tomato sauce; hence I opt for the carbonara instead.
I mean – thick tomato sauce with a whole lot of minced beef and al dente spaghetti? This is the kind of food you eat when you’re too hungry after a swim in the pool or when you can’t decide on what to eat.
What is Beef Bolognese?
When you order a Beef Bolognese, you know you are going to get a bowl of freshly cooked pasta topped with fresh tomato puree, a whole lot of minced beef and parmesan cheese. Some restaurant would even spice it up, literally, to suit the Malaysian spicy palate. Not only that, some add vegetables like tomatoes and minced carrots to the sauce.
Most Western restaurants would have it, but only people who live and breathe pasta will be able to justify between a good bowl of Beef Bolognese and a so-so dish.
The History of Beef Bolognese
The obvious assumption to make is that the dish originated from Italy however you won’t be able to find Beef Bolognese in the country. This is because the dish, while it contains pasta did not originate from Italy. No one really knows where it came from but in the early twentieth century, the immigration of southern Italians to the United States is said to have resulted in fusion cuisine. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the tomato-rich style of Neapolitan ragù, American’s culture of using minced beef and spaghetti.
It is said that this is probably why the dish is called Beef Bolognese, named after Bologna, the birthplace of the ragu itself. Today, while the Beef Bolognese is seen as an inauthentic Italian dish, it is still a staple in most Italian restaurants around the world, including a few in Italy.
Nutritional Content of Beef Bolognese
The reason why the Italians love consuming spaghetti is that it carries fibre which is essential to aid our digestive system. The minced beef, on the other hand, is a good source of protein that is essential in muscle repair and formation.
Another main ingredient of the Beef Bolognese is the tomato puree. Tomato is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is essential in tissue repair. It is said that tomato consumption can aid in giving healthier, glowing skin. Tomato also has benefits that help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Where to get the Best Beef Bolognese in Malaysia
You can’t go wrong with ordering a bowl of Beef Bolognese but for the best of the best, make your way to Pasta Panas in Subang Jaya and KL City Walk and get their Beef Bolognese for only RM12. You can also head to Pasta Box in KL for their Spaghetti Beef Bolognese at about the same price.
If you want to have your Beef Bolognese at home, order delivery using the foodpanda app and voila! You’ll have your pasta meal in no time.