Potato garnish with oven ragu sauce

Potato side dish with baked ragu sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty side dish that perfectly complements your meals? I propose a recipe for a potato side dish with baked ragu sauce, which can easily be transformed into a main course. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion. Preparing it will bring a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your kitchen, and the aroma that will spread will surely make your mouth water.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Your ingredients are:

- 5-6 potatoes (choose medium-sized potatoes, preferably red or yellow for a creamy texture)
- 1 onion (opt for white or yellow onion, depending on preference)
- 1 carrot (grated, to add sweetness and color)
- 3 cloves of garlic (for a flavorful taste, you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup of tomato sauce (you can use tomato sauce with peppers or paste, depending on what you have on hand)
- 150 g ground turkey (for a lighter option, but you can experiment with chicken or pork)
- 1 tablespoon grated cheese (Parmesan or goat cheese, for a special flavor)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill, for an extra touch of freshness)

Preparation:

1. The magic begins with the potatoes. Peel them well, then cut them into large cubes. Boil them in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Check them with a fork to ensure they are ready.

2. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and mash them in a large bowl. It doesn't have to be a fine puree, but rather a coarse mash to keep a rustic texture.

3. Now, let's move on to the ragu sauce. In a pan, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the grated carrot and crushed garlic, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors are released.

4. At this point, add the ground turkey. Cook everything until the meat is well browned. This step is essential to add depth to your sauce.

5. After the meat is cooked, add the tomato sauce. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, so the flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Now it's time to combine all the ingredients. In a baking dish, place the mashed potatoes, then pour the ragu sauce evenly over the top. Make sure the sauce covers the potatoes well.

7. Sprinkle the grated cheese and fresh herbs on top. Now, all that's left is to place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy.

8. After removing the dish from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting moment will help the flavors settle and make each serving even more delicious.

Serving suggestions:
This potato side dish with ragu sauce pairs perfectly with turkey schnitzels, but you can also serve it as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy. Turkey meat is lean and rich in protein, while tomato sauce is full of antioxidants due to lycopene. This recipe is not only hearty but also nutritionally balanced, perfect for a family meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with chicken or pork, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to make it vegetarian?
You can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or lentils, and the tomato sauce will add a delicious taste.

3. What can I use instead of cheese?
If you prefer to avoid cheese, you can use a mixture of crushed nuts for an added texture.

So, I suggest you venture into making this savory potato side dish with baked ragu sauce. It can easily become your favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions. Give it a try, and you won't regret it!