Is 3 and a 1/2 hrs too long to let bolognaise sauce simmer?

[Madissun]

Im making lasagne tonight for tea but need to start making it this afternoon, to make the day easier

I know it's good to let the sauce simmer for a couple of hours, but is 3 and a 1/2 hours too long?

Im not making the bechamel until im ready to assemble and put in the oven.

[Trillian]

No, it would make the meat extra tender so I would leave it on the lowest setting on your stove - or even use a slow cooker if you have one once it's made and it's really nice.

[STARRYSKY]

nah, not at all, when we do it (joint effort!) we do the sauce in the morning then leave it going (simmering) really low, allllll day. makes it taste better IMO !

[Glamourcide]

As long as it's covered and you check it every so often to add more water/stock, I don't see how it could be a problem... I've done it before!! I'm not 100% on that though so hopefully someone who knows what they're on about can help out
The longer the better I say, lets the flavours develop. I had a friend who would start her bolognaise sauce mid-morning and let it simmer away all day because she preferred the flavour.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

yeah it will be fine. Just keep the temp down and stir every now and then. A slowcooker is a good idea

[Madissun]

Awesome thanks ladies!!

One more question... How much is a 'splash' of red wine when adding to the sauce?

[christy]

I add 1/2 cup red wine to my bolognaise!! LOL so more than a splash.... but probably around a tablespoon. I simmer mine for 2 hours normally, stirring often, so I don't see how 3 1/2 hours would be bad at all

[Trillian]

The red wine will just be to your preference - some prefer a bigger splash than others LOL. For me a splash would literally only be a splash - so maybe a tablespoon at most.