Bold Italian Lamb Ragu
What Started it all:
lamb
This Italian-inspired lamb ragu is a bold and flavorful dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender lamb melds beautifully with aromatic herbs and rich tomatoes, making it a perfect sauce for your favorite pasta. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (Chianti works beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (tagliatelle or pappardelle recommended)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Lamb: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground lamb to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Liquids: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Once the ragu is thick and flavorful, toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Plate the pasta with a generous helping of ragu on top. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
This Bold Italian Lamb Ragu is a showstopper that brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine to your dinner table. Pair it with a glass of robust red wine, and you have a meal that’s sure to delight. Buon Appetito!