Hearty Mushroom Ragout Food

HEARTY MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat
• Once warm, add the diced shallot and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes
• Add the minced garlic and continuously stir until garlic is fragrant and golden, about 30-45 seconds
• Add the mushrooms, rosemary and thyme and continue to saute until the mushrooms begin to cookdown and become soft
• Add the flour and continue to stir until all the flour has been absorbed by the mushrooms
• Turn the heat up a bit and add the wine, continue to cook until the wine has reduced by about half the amount
• Add the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper if needed
• Continue to let the mushroom mixture simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and the mushrooms continuet soften, about 15-20 minutes
• Remove from heat and serve wtih optional parsley and parmesan cheese if desired. See serving suggestions below

MUSHROOM RAGOUT

Steps:

• Clean the mushrooms by brushing with a kitchen towel or a brush to remove any loose dirt.
• Remove the shitake stems and discard.
• Quarter the mushrooms and set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer in the pan.
• Do not pile the mushrooms on top of one another.
• Increase the heat to high and cook mushrooms until brown then turn them over with a spoon or by shaking the pan.
• If skillet seems dry add the additional 2 tablespoons butter.
• Cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add the shallot or onion and garlic and cooked until softened about 3 minutes.
• Add the salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Add the Madeira wine and scrape up all of the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil.
• Cook for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.
• Remove from heat and serve.

HEARTY MUSHROOM RAGOUT

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
• Meanwhile, in a high sided skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil ripples, add the mushrooms, allspice, bay leaf, oregano, and black pepper and cook until the mushrooms darken and become tender, 6-7 minutes.
• Add the carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and cubanelle and bell peppers and season with salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes more, then stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1 minute to reduce the wine, then stir in the stock and tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with Worcestershire and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes more, then discard the bay leaf.
• While the ragout is cooking, salt the boiling water and cook the penne to al dente. When the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the hot pot. Toss with half the sauce, the basil, and the 1/2 cup of grated cheese. Top bowlfuls of pasta with the remaining sauce and pass more grated cheese at the table. Enjoy!