Bengali-style Tagliatelle with Spiced Meat Sauce

Ingredients

In this Bengali adaptation, the traditional Italian Bolognese sauce is transformed by incorporating Bengali spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The dish is also garnished with fresh cilantro, a common herb used in Bengali cuisine, to add a touch of freshness and enhance the flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) tagliatelle pasta 250g (8.8 oz) tagliatelle pasta
• 300g (10.6 oz) ground beef 300g (10.6 oz) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 4g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the tagliatelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. 5.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Toss the cooked tagliatelle pasta with the spiced meat sauce until well coated.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Tagliatelle pasta — If you can't find tagliatelle pasta, you can use fettuccine or any other wide pasta noodles as a substitute.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped green chilies to the sauce.
• To enhance the flavors, let the sauce simmer for a longer time on low heat.
• Serve the dish with a side of Bengali-style pickles for an extra burst of tanginess.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the diced tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Bengali-style Tagliatelle with Spiced Meat Sauce hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of Bengali-style pickles and a dollop of plain yogurt to balance the flavors. Pair it with warm naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Bengali-style Tagliatelle with Spiced Meat Sauce in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the sauce to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness. Serve it alongside a small bowl of pickles to add visual interest to the plate.