Mushroom Ragù Food

EASY MUSHROOM RAGU WITH PARMESAN POLENTA

Steps:

• Put the olive oil, shallots and a pinch of salt in a large (12-inch) skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots are softened, but not browned.
• Add the mushrooms to the pan, Cook for about 5 minutes, or until they take on some color, then stir and add 1/2 teaspoon salt (this helps them release their water). Continue cooking until the mushrooms become tender and the liquid evaporates.
• Stir in the garlic, rosemary or thyme, chili, tomato paste, vinegar and butter. Add 1/3 cup of the stock or water and stir until the mixture becomes saucy, adding more liquid if needed.
• Serve the ragu over Parmesan Polenta with grated Parmesan.

PAPPARDELLE WITH MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, pulse the walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped; remove to a small bowl. Add half the mushrooms to the food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Slice the remaining mushrooms.
• Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts; cook, stirring, until toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and chopped mushrooms and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are dry, 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until coated, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, then rinse the empty can with 1/2 cup water and pour it into the pot. Add the rosemary and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
• When the sauce is almost ready, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the pasta to the sauce. Cook, tossing, until well coated. Stir in half the parsley and season with salt and pepper; remove the rosemary sprig. Divide the pasta among bowls and top with the remaining parsley.

GNOCCHI WITH WILD MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• Heat half of the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add half of the wild mushrooms and cook until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then push to the edges of the pot. Add the remaining olive oil and wild mushrooms and cook 3 to 5 more minutes. Add the cremini mushrooms and cook 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Add the wine; cook, scraping up any browned bits, about 2 more minutes. Add the tomatoes, 2 cups water, the bay leaves, coriander, fennel, red pepper flakes, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer over medium heat, about 30 minutes (thin with water if needed). Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi, stir and cook for 1 minute after they float, about 3 minutes total. Transfer with a slotted spoon to the pot with the sauce and gently stir over low heat. Serve topped with mascarpone and/or mint.

MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• In a large skillet heat the oil. When almost smoking, add the onions and garlic over medium-low heat until the onions have wilted, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
• Raise heat to high and saute until mushrooms are tender and all the liquid has evaporated. Remove pan from heat and pour in Marsala.
• Return pan to stove and allow wine to evaporate, about 3 minutes. Add chicken broth and simmer for 1/2 hour until the sauce has reduced by half. Add heavy cream and mix well.
• Take the pan off the heat and add the fresh herbs and Parmesan and mix thoroughly.

SAUSAGE & MUSHROOM RAGU

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and tip in the carrot, spring onions, garlic, mushrooms, oregano and fennel, along with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 mins.
• Add the sausagemeat and cook until browned all over, then add the chopped tomatoes and ketchup, along with a pinch of salt and 100ml water. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the sauce is thick, about 20 mins, stirring now and again. Season to taste, then serve with buttery mashed potato, pasta or couscous.