Crispy Homemade Chips (for serving with Bolognese sauce):
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes (Russet potatoes are ideal)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or any seasoning you like
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then slice them very thinly using a mandolin or a sharp knife. You want them as thin as possible for maximum crispiness.
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Soak the slices: Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better when baking.
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Dry the slices: After soaking, pat the slices dry with a clean towel to remove all moisture.
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Toss in olive oil and seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
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Arrange on the baking sheet: Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
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Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on them because they can go from crispy to burnt quickly. Once golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Homemade Bolognese Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for richness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or oregano (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove any excess fat.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Add tomatoes and wine: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
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Add milk or cream: Stir in the milk or cream, season with salt and pepper, and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
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Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want a bit of fresh herb flavor, add chopped basil or oregano at this point.
Assembling the Bolognese Chips:
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Serve the chips: Arrange the crispy homemade chips on a plate or serving dish.
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Top with Bolognese sauce: Spoon the rich, meaty Bolognese sauce generously over the chips, making sure the chips are well-coated with the sauce.
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Optional Garnish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Tips:
- For a spicy kick, you can add chili flakes to the Bolognese sauce or sprinkle them on top of the chips before serving.
- Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or a mix of mushrooms for a plant-based Bolognese alternative.
Let me know if you’d like any other variations or tips on this recipe!