Ragu Sauce for Pasta

Ragu Sauce for Pasta – A Savory Recipe You'll Love

Who doesn't love a serving of pasta with a rich and flavorful sauce? Ragu is a classic Italian sauce, but every family has its own version, adapted to personal preferences and available ingredients. This Ragu sauce recipe is a delicious combination inspired by various sources, perfect for enhancing any pasta dish. Not only will it delight your taste buds, but it is also an excellent way to bring family and friends together around the table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4 generous servings

Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 slice of celery, grated
- 5 slices of smoked pork tenderloin, diced
- 5 slices of smoked bacon, diced
- 500 g of crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, blended)
- 500 ml of water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 500 g of ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup of milk
- olive oil (to taste)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are ready before you start. Finely chop the onion, grate the carrot and celery, and dice the pork and bacon. These details are essential for even cooking and a pleasant texture.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a double-bottomed pot (this will prevent sticking and burning), add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion over low heat for 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will add a rich base flavor to the sauce.

3. Adding the meat: Add the smoked pork, bacon, and ground beef. Cook everything for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well browned. This step will intensify the sauce's flavor.

4. Adding the tomatoes: Deglaze the meat mixture with the crushed tomatoes and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Now is the time to add salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices will give a deep and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

5. Adding the vegetables: Incorporate the grated carrot and celery into the sauce. These vegetables not only add sweetness but also significant nutritional value.

6. Slow cooking: Place the lid on the pot, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally and, if the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water.

7. Finishing the sauce: After 90 minutes, add the milk and let it simmer for another 1 hour and 30 minutes. The milk will make the sauce creamier and reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

8. Serving: Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, serve it with any type of pasta. You can use spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even penne. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost!

Useful tips:
- If you have leftover sauce, you can freeze it for a quick meal on future days. It's perfect for a lunch or dinner without much effort!
- You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to diversify the recipe.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a little dried or fresh chili pepper while sautéing the onion.

Nutritional benefits:
This Ragu sauce is rich in protein due to the meat and contains essential vitamins from the vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, while cinnamon and nutmeg add a boost of flavor and health benefits.

History of Ragu sauce:
Ragu has deep roots in traditional cuisine, being a slow-cooked dish ideal for extracting all the flavors of the ingredients. Whether used for pasta, lasagna, or other dishes, this sauce is a versatile and delicious choice.

Ideal pairings:
For a complete meal, serve the Ragu sauce with a fresh green salad and a refreshing drink, such as a white wine aperitif or a natural citrus juice. This contrast of flavors will elevate the culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken or turkey, but the flavor will be different.

2. What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Spaghetti and tagliatelle are the most popular, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add fresh chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking for a spicy kick.

4. Can I make the sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the meat and use additional vegetables and tomato sauce to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The Ragu sauce will transform any meal into a celebration of flavors, and your family and friends will be delighted with the final result. Enjoy your meal!