Ep 1. The Secret to Pasta Bolognese

The show Secrets of a Restaurant Chef follows professional chef Anne Burrell as she reveals the secrets behind some of the most popular recipes from her restaurant. In season 1, episode 1, titled The Secret to Pasta Bolognese, Anne takes viewers through the steps to creating the perfect pasta dish, with a special focus on the classic Italian sauce.

Anne begins by discussing the importance of building layers of flavor in the Bolognese sauce, which is made from ground beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce. She stresses the importance of taking the time to properly brown the beef, which will add depth and richness to the dish. Anne also shares her secret ingredient for adding a boost of umami: anchovy paste.

Next, Anne moves on to the pasta itself, demonstrating how to make homemade tagliatelle. She explains that the pasta should be cooked until it is just al dente, with a slight bite to it. Anne also emphasizes the importance of reserving a small amount of pasta water to add to the sauce, which will help to bind the flavors together.

Finally, Anne brings the dish together by combining the pasta with the Bolognese sauce and finishing it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. She emphasizes the importance of tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed, and encourages viewers to experiment with their own variations on the recipe.

Throughout the episode, Anne shares tips and tricks for achieving restaurant-quality results at home, and also offers advice for meal planning and preparation. Whether viewers are seasoned cooks or new to the kitchen, The Secret to Pasta Bolognese is a must-see episode for anyone looking to up their cooking game.