Nonna Lucrezias Slowbraised Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wonder how grandma always made the best Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe ? Well, let's see if we can get close! Today, we're diving into Nonna's Lamb Ragu Recipe .
It's a 3 Hour Cook with Nonna kinda deal, even if Nonna's just a state of mind today. This recipe is a flavour bomb, packed with rich, savory Tuscan Lamb Ragu goodness.
A Taste of Tuscany: Pappardelle Perfection
This Authentic Italian Pasta Dish , particularly a Pappardelle Recipe Lamb , has roots deep in the heart of Tuscany.
Back then, this Food Type would have been a way to use tougher cuts of lamb, making them melt-in-your mouth tender.
Think of it as Italian Cooking with Grandma , a real Lunch Meals treat! It's a medium difficulty recipe, calling for about 30 minutes of prep and a glorious 3 hours of simmering.
This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Why You'll Fall in Love with this Ragu
The real magic here is the Slow Braised Lamb Ragu . Honestly, slow cooking breaks down the lamb, making it super tender.
Plus, all those veggies cook down creating a rich, flavourful sauce. It's perfect for a special Sunday Lunch Meals , or any time you want to impress your friends and family.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the love, amore , that goes into it. Plus, lamb provides a good dose of protein and iron!
Let's gather our ingredients, starting with that beautiful lamb shoulder.
Ingredients & Equipment for Nonna's Lamb Ragu Recipe
So, you want to try Nonna Lucrezia's Slow Braised Lamb Ragu ? Awesome! Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, I've kept it simple.
No fancy chef gadgets required! This will be a 3 Hour Cook with Nonna in no time!
Main Ingredients: the Heart of our Tuscan Lamb Ragu
First, the star! Get 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of boneless lamb shoulder. I always go for lamb that's nicely marbled.
This makes it extra tender. You know, that melt-in-your mouth feeling? Also, you'll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for that perfect sear.
It needs to be a golden brown color.
Veggies next! You'll need 1 large yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Chop them finely. Then, add 4 cloves of garlic , minced.
Don't skimp! This is your Authentic Italian Pasta Dish coming to life. We also need crushed tomatoes 28 ounces (794 g) and tomato sauce 15 ounces (425 g) .
Get the good stuff, trust me. Beef broth is important too, 1 cup (240 ml) of it.
And don't forget the Pappardelle Recipe Lamb : 1.5 lbs (680 g) fresh or dried pappardelle. For the Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe .
Seasoning Notes: The Soul of the Ragu
Okay, spices time! We need 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and rosemary. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional I like a little kick! Oh, and 1 cup (240 ml) of dry red wine, because what's Italian cooking without wine? Chianti or Sangiovese work great.
Also, 2 bay leaves , 2 tablespoons of butter. And salt and pepper, of course. Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons , and Parmesan for serving.
Parmesan is the key element for our Focaccia Recipe .
I like to use a pinch of sugar to my ragu to balance the acidity. What are you using?
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Real
You don't need a restaurant kitchen, honestly. All you need is a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. A cutting board, a good chef's knife.
Measuring cups and spoons. A wooden spoon, and a pasta pot. That's it! If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy pot with a lid will work just fine.
We're making Lunch Meals easy. This Food Type is loved by everyone.
Embrace the 3 Hour Cook with Nonna Method for an Amazing Slow Braised Lamb Ragu
Alright, let's talk about slow cooking. This isn't just cooking; it's a hug in a bowl. I'm thinking of my Nonna Lucrezia and her secrets to a perfect Tuscan Lamb Ragu .
Honestly, a Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe like this makes all the difference. What makes it amazing? Time. It takes patience, but trust me.
You’ll want to try this Nonna's Lamb Ragu Recipe .
Prep Like a Pro Before Your Italian Cooking with Grandma
It all starts with the mise en place . You know, getting everything prepped. Chop your veggies: onion, carrots, and celery.
Mince that garlic. Cube your lamb. Having everything ready before you start makes life so much easier.
Time saving tip? Chop your veggies the night before. Just pop them in a container in the fridge. Safety first, of course. Wash everything properly.
step-by-step: The Authentic Italian Pasta Dish Unveiled
- Season your lamb with salt and pepper. Sear it in a Dutch oven with olive oil. You want a nice, browned crust. Set aside.
- Sauté your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Get them softened. Add the garlic, oregano, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook until they smell amazing.
- Deglaze the pot with 1 cup of red wine . Scrape up all those yummy browned bits. Reduce the wine by half.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, lamb, and bay leaves. Bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 3 Hours .
- Remove the lamb and shred it with two forks. It should be fall apart tender. Return the shredded lamb to the sauce and discard the bay leaves.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter . Taste and adjust the seasoning. You want it just right.
- Cook your Pappardelle Recipe Lamb according to the package. You'll need some salted water.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the ragu. Add a little pasta water for a creamy sauce. Serve with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips from My Italian Grandma, For a Better Ragu.
Don't rush the browning! That's key for flavour.
Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing the lamb. Do it in batches.
Common mistake? Not tasting as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Make sure to not let the sauce burn on the bottom.
Honestly, this Focaccia Recipe and this ragu make such great lunch meals and is perfect for a cold winters day!
Food Type : Pasta with Lamb Ragu.
And there you have it! A 3 Hour Cook with Nonna will leave you so impressed with the flavour. This ragu is a gift.
Enjoy the process, enjoy the aromas, and most of all, enjoy the taste. Bon appétit!
Recipe Notes for a Knockout Lamb Ragu
Alright, so you're about to embark on your 3 Hour Cook with Nonna journey. Honestly? There's no better way to spend an afternoon.
You're going to smell the most amazing aromas from this Nonna's Lamb Ragu Recipe , I promise! Here's a few little nuggets I've picked up along the way.
This is definitely the kind of Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe I like to keep in rotation, as a comfort Food Type .
Plating like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Okay, presentation matters! A rustic bowl is always a good shout for this kind of Authentic Italian Pasta Dish . For Lunch Meals , consider dividing the sauce into smaller portions.
Swirl that delicious Pappardelle Recipe Lamb nest on the plate, and spoon that lamb ragu generously over the top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and don't be shy with the Parmesan.
And if you really want to go all out? Serve it with some warm, crusty bread for soaking up all that glorious sauce.
Honestly, that's where the magic is! A simple side salad would add a delightfully light touch. A glass of red wine? It's practically mandatory! Salute !
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
This Tuscan Lamb Ragu is even better the next day, you know ? Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, easy peasy. Need to freeze it? No worries! It freezes beautifully. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat it gently on the stove.
You know what really rocks? Reheating it with a splash of red wine or beef broth to keep it moist.
Remix it!: Variations
Got a fussy eater? Ditch the pasta and serve this lamb ragu over creamy polenta. Oh my gosh , it's so good! Or maybe you’re trying to eat a bit lighter.
Zucchini noodles are a fantastic swap for pasta. For a seasonal twist, use butternut squash in the ragu during autumn.
It adds a lovely sweetness. To create dietary adaptations on this Focaccia Recipe , you can use gluten-free pasta.
Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Basics
This is a hearty and filling dish. One serving packs a good punch of protein, thanks to the lamb, and a decent amount of carbs, depending on your pasta choice.
It's also got some fibre, from the veggies, and important vitamins and minerals. This will vary based on specific ingredients used.
But, honestly , don't get too hung up on the numbers. It's all about enjoying good food with good company.
There you have it! I hope you give Italian Cooking with Grandma , a go. Remember, cooking should be fun! So, relax, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Happy cooking, loves!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this "3 Hour Cook with Nonna" recipe really worth the time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! Think of it as a Sunday roast, but Italian style. The slow braise is what breaks down the lamb, making it incredibly tender and infusing the sauce with deep, rich flavour.
It's mostly hands off cooking, so you can do other things while it simmers away like getting the house in order, reading, or some other hobby!
Can I make Nonna Lucrezia's Slow Braised Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle ahead of time?
You bet! In fact, many would argue it's even better the next day. The flavours have more time to meld together. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and gently reheat before serving. It's like Nonna used to say, "Good food takes time, and leftovers are a gift!"
What kind of lamb should I use for this 3 Hour Cook with Nonna recipe?
Boneless lamb shoulder is the star of the show here because of its great flavour and fat content. It becomes wonderfully tender during the long braise. However, lamb neck or even lamb shanks will work in a pinch. Ask your butcher for what’s freshest and best value.
I don't have pappardelle pasta. Can I use something else?
Totally! Pappardelle is lovely because its wide, flat shape is perfect for catching all that delicious ragu, but other wide pasta shapes like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even rigatoni would work well. Even gnocchi works in a pinch! Just choose something that will stand up to the rich sauce.
Help! My sauce is too thin/thick. What do I do?
No dramas! If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If it's too thick, add a splash of beef broth or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Is Nonna Lucrezia's Slow Braised Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle healthy?
This dish is definitely hearty and satisfying! It's a good source of protein from the lamb. To keep it on the lighter side, serve reasonable portions, use lean lamb shoulder, and don't go overboard with the Parmesan cheese. You can also serve with a big green salad to get your veg in.
Nonna Lucrezias Slowbraised Lamb Ragu With Pappa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 700 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 6g |