Lamb Ragu Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Lamb Ragu:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound (450g) ground lamb
- 1 cup (240ml) red wine
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
-
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340g) pasta (like pappardelle or tagliatelle)
-
Salt for pasta water
-
Optional Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional fresh parsley
Preparation Process:
1. Prepare the Lamb Ragu:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1 minute, allowing the fragrance to fill the kitchen.
Next, add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Increase the heat slightly and add the ground lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the lamb is browned all over, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
Once the lamb is beautifully browned, pour in the red wine. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the ragu simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. This will give the flavors time to meld and develop beautifully.
2. Cook the Pasta:
About 15 minutes before the ragu is done, fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
3. Combine and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf from the ragu sauce and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a looser sauce, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water.
Toss the cooked pasta with the lamb ragu until the pasta is well coated. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe Summary:
Lamb Ragu Pasta combines tender ground lamb, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, savory tomato sauce to create an unforgettable dish. Each serving is packed with deep flavors, enhanced by the boldness of red wine and a medley of herbs. The result is a comforting, delightful pasta dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Prepare this satisfying meal in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 580 calories, making it a hearty yet indulgent treat.
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