I watched Marzia prepare this homemade ragu right in her own farmhouse kitchen in Tuscany. I never felt more at home in a kitchen. Marzia is my age and we had so much in common. Feeding large families on a weekly basis often is what we do: in a kitchen with one oven! If you want a dish that will feed the pack try this one. PASS THE FRESH PARMESAN!!!!! In the FOOD NANNY RESCUES DINNER AGAIN PG 57.
Put the first 5 ingredients into a food processor or blender. Turn on the machine for about 8 sec. You want the mixture to be well minced, but not watery. Set aside.
In a medium size saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced vegetables. Stir a couple of times until the liquid is gone and the flavors all come together, about 5 min. Add ground meat. Cook and stir until browned.
Add the wine. Let it evaporate. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Add tomato sauce, water and beef broth. Stir until combined, then turn the heat down to simmer. Simmer uncovered for 20 min. Then, partially cover the pan and simmer for 30 more min.
Serve over Penne, Fusilli, Rigatoni, rice or Polenta. Pass the fresh parmesan cheese.
