The Microplane Grater Is the Key to My Mom’s Bolognese

Daylight savings has come to its annual end, which means it finally feels like fall. Now that the sun is setting earlier and temperatures are dropping, I’m doing everything I can to stay warm and cozy, even on the gloomiest of evenings. Aside from fishing my thick blankets and space heater out of storage, I’m pulling out my book of family recipes and making my mom’s best comfort food recipes.

First up is her famous Bolognese sauce, which she made all through the fall and winter months during my childhood. (She even developed a plant-based version when I decided to go vegetarian!) The secret to its delicious flavor is freshly grated nutmeg, so I’m snagging the Microplane spice grater while it’s just $11 at Amazon.

Microplane Specialty Spice Grater

Traditional spaghetti Bolognese recipes don’t always call for nutmeg, but chefs and home cooks like Marcella Hazan and my mom add a sprinkling to their Bolognese sauce to deepen the flavors of the dish. My mom says the spice adds a layer of warmth to the sauce — in other words, it’s key to the dish’s coziness.

You probably already have a jar of ground nutmeg lying around in your kitchen, but according to my mom, not just any nutmeg will do. She grates whole nutmeg, and while it could seem like a superfluous step, it makes a huge difference when it comes to flavor and freshness. Plus, it’s easier than you might think: All you need is this mini Microplane grater made specifically for whole spices.

You don’t need to buy a pricey spice grinder to enjoy fresh nutmeg. This stainless steel grater has razor-sharp teeth to seamlessly grate whole spices, and it’s only $11 at Amazon right now. Grating spices fresh releases their juices and aromas, heightening the senses and adding to the intensity of their flavors. 

Once you start using fresh spices, you’ll never want to go back. Luckily, the Microplane spice grater has a soft handle that’s comfortable to hold and protects your hands from the blades. I plan on using mine to shave fresh spices onto desserts and cocktails, and according to the brand, the tool also works for nuts, hard cheeses, ginger, coffee beans, and chocolate.

At just 9 x 1 inches in size, this rasp-style grater is small enough to fit into any drawer, cabinet, or utensil holder. That’s a huge bonus for me, since my NYC apartment has a smaller kitchen than some tiny houses. It’s also easy to clean by hand and safe to put in the dishwasher. Ready to make your favorite comfort food feel even cozier? Head to Amazon to snag the Microplane spice grater while it’s on sale for just $11.

More Pasta Essentials to Shop:

KitchenAid Pasta Maker Stand Mixer Attachment

Cuisinart 4-Piece Pasta/Steamer Set

Y Yhy Large Pasta Bowls, Set of 4

Newrgy Spaghetti Spoon and Tong Set

OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater

At the time of publishing, the price was $11.