20 Italian Ragu Recipe Nigella They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Italian ragu is a rich and hearty meat-based sauce that has become a staple in many households. While there are many variations of ragu, the traditional Italian recipe, known as ragù alla bolognese, is a slow-cooked masterpiece that is full of flavor and depth. In this article, we will be sharing a professional and well-organized introduction to making the perfect Italian ragu, with guidance from the renowned chef and food writer, Nigella Lawson.
Main Ingredients: Jaggery, Tamarind Concentrate, Ground Cumin, Black
Looking for a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe? Try out these potato dumplings with tamarind chutney, also known as samosas. This Indian-inspired dish combines tender chicken with flavorful spices and a tangy chutney for a delicious and unexpected twist on the traditional beer can chicken.
If you're not familiar with samosas, they are a popular Indian snack typically filled with spiced potatoes and peas. In this recipe, we're taking that filling and using it to stuff the cavity of the beer can chicken, infusing it with incredible flavors and keeping the chicken moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
To make the potato dumplings, start by boiling potatoes until they are tender. Then, mash them with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala to create a flavorful filling. Stuff the chicken with the dumplings and place it on the beer can for a unique and delicious cooking method.
But the real star of this dish is the tamarind chutney. Made from tart tamarind, this chutney is sweetened with dates and spiced with ginger, garlic, and chili powder. It adds a delicious tang and balances out the savory flavors of the chicken and dumplings.
With the combination of tender chicken, flavorful dumplings, and tangy chutney, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests. So go ahead and give it a try at your next cookout or family dinner!
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Khobz Talian (Italian Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Olive Oil, Sugar, Salt, Warm
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe featuring Khobz Talian, or Italian bread. This bread is a staple in many Italian households and is often served alongside hearty soups and stews. But in this recipe, we're using it to create a flavorful stuffing for our beer can chicken.
To make the Khobz Talian stuffing, start by making a simple bread dough using flour, yeast, and water. Let it rise and then roll it out into a flat sheet. Then, top it with a mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Roll up the dough and place it inside the chicken's cavity before cooking on the beer can.
The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a delicious and flavorful stuffing. Serve it with a side of homemade marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a meal that will transport you straight to Italy.
You can also use this Khobz Talian stuffing in other dishes, like chicken parmesan or stuffed peppers. So get creative and experiment with different ways to use this tasty Italian bread in your cooking!
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Homemade Naan Bread
Main Ingredients: Naan, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
Naan bread is a popular Indian flatbread that is often served with curries or used to wrap kebabs. But in this beer can chicken recipe, we're using it to create a unique and flavorful stuffing for our chicken.
To make the naan bread stuffing, start by making a simple dough using flour, yeast, and yogurt. Roll it out into a thin sheet and then brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic and cilantro. Roll up the dough and place it inside the chicken's cavity before cooking on the beer can.
The result is a flavorful and tender chicken with a hint of garlic and cilantro in every bite. Serve it with a side of raita, a cooling yogurt sauce, for a delicious and complete Indian-inspired meal.
And if you have any leftover naan bread, you can use it to make sandwiches or as a base for homemade pizzas. The possibilities are endless with this tasty flatbread!
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
For a unique twist on the traditional beer can chicken recipe, try adding some Indian-inspired flavors with aloo curry, or Indian potato curry. This dish is a classic in Indian cuisine and is often served with rice or naan bread.
To make the aloo curry, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Then, add diced potatoes and let them cook until they are tender. Stuff the chicken with the potato curry and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and delicious meal.
The combination of tender chicken and spiced potatoes is sure to impress your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will be the star of any dinner party.
So go ahead and give this aloo curry beer can chicken a try and bring some Indian flavors to your next cookout or family dinner!
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Small Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Korma is a popular Indian dish that is known for its creamy and flavorful sauce. In this beer can chicken recipe, we're using the same spices and ingredients to create a delicious and unique stuffing for our chicken.
To make the chicken korma stuffing, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Then, add spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and let them cook until fragrant. Next, add in coconut milk and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Stuff the chicken with the korma sauce and let it cook on the beer can for a tender and flavorful meal.
The combination of tender chicken and creamy korma sauce is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Serve this chicken korma beer can chicken with rice or naan bread for a complete and delicious Indian-inspired meal.
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Cheese Naan
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
If you're a fan of cheesy dishes, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe featuring cheese naan. This Indian flatbread is stuffed with a mixture of cheese and herbs and then cooked to perfection.
To make the cheese naan stuffing, start by making a simple dough using flour, yeast, and yogurt. Roll it out into a thin sheet and then top it with a mixture of cheese, garlic, and herbs like parsley and thyme. Roll up the dough and place it inside the chicken's cavity before cooking on the beer can.
The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a delicious and gooey cheese filling. Serve it with a side of chutney or marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a meal that will satisfy any cheese lover's cravings.
You can also use this cheese naan stuffing in other dishes, like grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for homemade pizzas. Get creative and see how you can incorporate this tasty flatbread into your cooking!
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Fluffy Zucchini Bread
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Salt, Whole Wheat Flour, Instant Yeast
For a unique and unexpected twist on the classic beer can chicken, try adding some zucchini bread to the mix. This fluffy and delicious bread is the perfect addition to the tender and juicy chicken.
To make the zucchini bread stuffing, start by grating zucchini and then squeezing out any excess water. Then, mix it with a simple batter made of flour, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Stuff the chicken with the zucchini bread mixture and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and unique dish.
The combination of tender chicken and fluffy zucchini bread is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread stuffing in your beer can chicken for a fun and tasty twist on a classic recipe.
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Chicken Empanada
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Brown Sugar
Empanadas are a popular Latin American dish that is often filled with savory ingredients like meat and vegetables. In this beer can chicken recipe, we're using the same concept to create a delicious and unique stuffing for our chicken.
To make the chicken empanada stuffing, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers in a pan. Then, add diced chicken and spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Stuff the chicken with the empanada filling and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and delicious meal.
The combination of tender chicken and savory empanada filling is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Serve this chicken empanada beer can chicken with rice and beans or in a tortilla for a complete and delicious Latin-inspired meal.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
Cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beer can chicken stuffing, but in this Indian-inspired recipe, it adds a delicious and unexpected twist. The cabbage is cooked with fragrant spices and then stuffed inside the chicken for a unique and flavorful meal.
To make the Indian cabbage stuffing, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric in a pan. Then, add shredded cabbage and let it cook until it is tender. Stuff the chicken with the cabbage mixture and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and delicious meal.
The combination of tender chicken and spiced cabbage is sure to impress your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will be the star of any dinner party.
Serve this Indian cabbage beer can chicken with rice or naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.
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Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
For a hearty and flavorful beer can chicken recipe, try stuffing it with traditional Italian bolognese sauce, also known as ragu' alla bolognese. This classic sauce is rich and meaty and pairs perfectly with tender and juicy chicken.
To make the bolognese stuffing, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan. Then, add ground beef and pork and let it cook until browned. Next, add tomatoes and herbs like basil and oregano and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Stuff the chicken with the bolognese sauce and let it cook on the beer can for a delicious and unique meal.
The combination of tender chicken and hearty bolognese sauce is sure to satisfy any cravings for classic Italian flavors. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Serve this chicken bolognese beer can chicken with pasta or polenta for a complete and delicious Italian-inspired meal.
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Easy Vegan Beetroot Falafel
Main Ingredients: Beetroots, Sweet Potato, Small Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh
For a vegan twist on the traditional beer can chicken, try out this recipe for easy vegan beetroot falafel. These falafels are made with chickpeas, beetroot, and flavorful spices, making them a delicious and unique stuffing for the chicken.
To make the falafels, start by blending chickpeas and cooked beetroot in a food processor until they form a paste. Then, mix in spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic powder. Stuff the chicken with the falafel mixture and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and unique dish.
The combination of tender chicken and flavorful falafels is sure to impress your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will be the star of any dinner party.
Serve this vegan beetroot falafel beer can chicken with pita bread and a side of hummus for a complete and delicious meal.
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Avocado Hummus
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Medium Avocados, Tahini, Salt, Lemon Juice
Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas and tahini. In this beer can chicken recipe, we're using hummus as a stuffing for the chicken, giving it a creamy and delicious twist.
To make the avocado hummus, start by blending chickpeas, avocado, tahini, and lemon juice in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste. Stuff the chicken with the hummus and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and unique dish.
The combination of tender chicken and creamy avocado hummus is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Serve this avocado hummus beer can chicken with pita bread and a side of fresh veggies for a complete and delicious meal.
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Indian Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Oil, Garlic Paste, Red Chili Powder
If you're looking for a unique and unexpected stuffing for your beer can chicken, try out this cauliflower cake. Made with cauliflower, eggs, and cheese, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
To make the cauliflower cake, start by steaming cauliflower until it is tender. Then, mix it with eggs, cheese, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Stuff the chicken with the cauliflower mixture and let it cook on the beer can for a delicious and unique meal.
The combination of tender chicken and hearty cauliflower cake is sure to impress your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will be the star of any dinner party.
Serve this cauliflower cake beer can chicken with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Cauliflower Cake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Florets, Red Onion, Olive Oil, Rosemary
For a flavorful and unique beer can chicken stuffing, try out this Lebanese cheese fatayer. These savory pastries are filled with a mixture of cheeses and herbs and are a delicious addition to tender and juicy chicken.
To make the fatayer, start by making a simple dough using flour, yeast, and yogurt. Roll it out into a thin sheet and then top it with a mixture of feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and herbs like parsley and mint. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Stuff the chicken with the fatayer and let it cook on the beer can for a delicious and unique meal.
The combination of tender chicken and flavorful cheese fatayer is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. And with the added bonus of the chicken being cooked on the beer can, you'll have a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Serve this cheese fatayer beer can chicken with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete and delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
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Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
If you're looking for a quick and easy beer can chicken stuffing, try out this recipe for naan bread without yeast. This simple flatbread is made with flour, yogurt, and baking powder, and is the perfect addition to tender and juicy chicken.
To make the naan bread, simply mix flour, yogurt, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until it forms a dough. Roll it out into a thin sheet and then cook it on a hot skillet until it puffs up and turns golden brown. Stuff the chicken with the naan bread and let it cook on the beer can for a flavorful and unique meal.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Italian Ragu
The Meat
The star of any ragu is the meat. Traditionally, a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal is used in the recipe. The combination of meats adds different levels of flavor and richness to the sauce. However, if you are unable to find these meats, you can use solely ground beef and still achieve a delicious ragu.
The Aromatics
Aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery are essential for building the base of flavor in the ragu. These ingredients are finely chopped and slow-cooked in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.
The Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a crucial ingredient in any ragu, and San Marzano canned tomatoes are the preferred choice for many Italian chefs. These tomatoes are known for their sweet, intense flavor and are perfect for creating a rich and velvety sauce.
The Herbs and Spices
A combination of fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves is used in the traditional Italian ragu recipe. These herbs add depth and complexity to the sauce. Additionally, garlic, salt, and pepper are used to season the ragu.
Nigella's Tips for the Perfect Italian Ragu
Slow Cooking
According to Nigella, the key to a perfect ragu is patience. The sauce needs to be cooked slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. This process can take up to 4 hours, but the end result is worth the wait.
The Importance of Wine
Nigella also recommends adding a generous splash of red wine to the ragu. The wine adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce, making it more robust and delicious.
The Perfect Pairings
While ragu is commonly served with spaghetti or tagliatelle pasta, Nigella suggests pairing it with gnocchi or polenta for a change of pace. She also recommends serving a simple green salad on the side to balance out the richness of the ragu.
Now that you have a better understanding of the key ingredients and tips for making the perfect Italian ragu, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Follow Nigella's expert advice, and you'll have a delicious and authentic Italian ragu that will impress even the most discerning palates. Buon appetito!
