FROM MY EXHAUSTIVE research while in Bologna, I’ve come to the conclusion that the difference between ragu and bolognaise sauces is this: it really depends on who you ask. One thing is certain though – they are both called “ragu”. Applying the KISS principle (do I really have to spell it out?), let’s call one “Mr Chunky” and the other “Mr Smooth”.
That said, Mr Chunky is often made with small pieces of beef and pork, always contains a sofrito (finely diced carrot, onion and celery) and uses