Savory Bolognese Americano

Directions

1. Soak the porcini mushrooms in the boiling water for about 30 minutes to soften. Strain the soaking liquid through a piece of cheese cloth or paper coffee filter and reserve. Chop mushrooms finely and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the chopped pancetta. Cook until just getting crispy.
3. Add the diced onions, carrots and celery, and saute till soft - about 8 minutes. As the vegetables release their juice, scrape up any brown bits from the pancetta.
4. Add the chopped garlic and stir through for a minute or so.
5. Add all the meat, breaking it up into crumbles with the edge of a flat spatula. Cook the meat thoroughly until browned - about 10 minutes.
6. Make a hole in the center of the pan by pushing all the meat and vegetables to the sides, add the tomato paste, and let it stir fry in the center for a minute or two until it turns a darker red, and gives off a faintly nutty aroma. Once it's cooked, mix it into the meat and stir well.
7. Add the red wine and cook until almost all is evaporated.
8. Add the herbs and bay leaf and stir well.
9. Add the reserved mushroom soaking liquid and chopped mushrooms, and the can of diced or pureed tomatoes and juices.
10. Add the salt and peppers.
11. Turn the heat down to a bare simmer and cover the pot, leaving the lid ajar slightly to let steam escape. You want a very low simmer to let the flavors build. If the sauce becomes too dry, add some meat stock or water. Let the sauce simmer on the stove for 2 - 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally and tasting / correcting for seasoning.
12. When the sauce is nearly done, add the cream and bring back to a bare simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
13. Serve over your favorite pasta with the chopped parsley and freshly grated cheese. This is one of those dishes that is even better the second or third day.