NEAPOLITAN PASTA GENOVESE: HOW TO PREPARE THIS SPECTACULAR DISH (IF YOU LIKE ONIONS)

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 14 oz (400 g) ziti pasta

For the sauce:

• 21 oz (600 g) beef (such as chuck or brisket)
• 6 onions, finely sliced
• 1 sprig celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 sprig parsley
• Bay leaves, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Peel and finely slice the onions.
• Wash, peel, and chop the carrots and celery.
• Tie parsley, celery clump, and bay leaves into a bouquet with kitchen string for easy removal.

2. Start the Sauce

• In a large pot, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over low heat.
• Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook gently for a few minutes until slightly softened.
• Add the beef, season with salt, and toss in the herb bouquet.

3. Slow Cook the Sauce

• Cover the pot and let the mixture cook over low heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once the onions are soft and golden, remove the herb bouquet and deglaze the pot with white wine, if using.
• Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 1 hour, allowing the sauce to thicken and intensify.

4. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the ziti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. Assemble the Dish

• Shred the beef into small pieces and mix it back into the sauce.
• Toss the ziti with the sauce until well coated.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

6. Serve

• Plate the pasta, optionally topping with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of Pasta alla Genovese.

Tips and Suggestions

• Make Ahead: The sauce can be made a day in advance; the flavors will deepen as it rests.
• Choice of Pasta: Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work well too.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace beef with mushrooms and use vegetable stock for a meat-free version.
• Herb Substitutions: If parsley and bay leaves aren’t available, try thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Enjoy your journey into the heart of Neapolitan tradition with this comforting Pasta alla Genovese!