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4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
2 ounces pancetta, finely chopped or bacon
1 bay leaf
3/4 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons flour, sifted
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup beef stock
1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms -- optional
salt and pepper
pinch nutmeg, or cloves
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons cream
1 chicken liver, minced
Soak porcini mushrooms (if using) for 30 minutes in hot water to cover. Drain liquid and filter it through cloth or a paper coffee filter to remove grit. Finely chop the mushrooms.
In a large pot melt butter and gently saute onion, celery, carrot, pancetta and bay leaf for 8 to 10 minutes. Add ground beef, increase the heat slightly and cook until golden brown. Sprinkle in flour, stir through and cook for 30 seconds before adding wine. Stir over a high heat until most of the wine has evaporated. Add porcini mushrooms and their liquid and taste for salt before seasoning. Add nutmeg and half the stock and simmer over a low heat, covered for 1 1/2 hours.
Stir from time to time and add remaining stock. When two-thirds through add milk and adjust seasonings. Just before serving stir in cream and chicken liver and cook, uncovered, for a final minute or two.
Note: Some like to add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste for extra richness and color.
Recipe source: "The New Pasta Cookbook"
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