Delicious Bolognese Meat Sauce

This meat sauce is a specialty of Bologna, Italy. It is from an old book called "Italian: The Essence of Mediterranean Cuisine." The photos are from my own attempt at the recipe.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 servings for pasta

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 4  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  medium onion, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons pancetta or 2  tablespoons bacon, finely chopped
• 1  carrot, finely sliced
• 1  stalk celery, finely sliced
• 1  garlic clove, finely chopped
• 12  ounces lean ground beef
•  salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2⁄3 cup red wine
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1 (15 ounce) can  chopped tomatoes with juice
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme

Directions

1. 1. Heat the butter and oil in a heavy saucepan or earthenware pot. Add the onion, and cook over moderate heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the pancetta and cook untion the onion is translucent. Stir in the carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes more.
2. 2. Add the beef, and crumble it into the vegetables with a fork. Stir until the meat loses its red color. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3. Pour in the wine, raise the heat slightly, and cook until the liquid evaporates, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the milk, and cook until it evaporates.
4. 4. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, and the herbs. Bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Correct the seasoning before serving. Serve over pasta.