16 Simply Italian Channel 4 Ragu Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, then you've probably heard of the popular cooking show "Simply Italian" on Channel 4. One of the most beloved and frequently requested recipes from the show is the ragu sauce. This rich, meat-based sauce is a staple in traditional Italian dishes and is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. In this article, we'll break down the Simply Italian Channel 4 Ragu Recipe step by step, so you can recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
One of the most beloved and classic Italian dishes, Bolognese sauce, or Ragu' alla Bolognese, is a delicious and hearty meat sauce that is perfect for topping pasta or serving with crusty bread. This rich and flavorful sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as aromatic vegetables and herbs. It's a labor of love, as it requires a long cooking time, but the end result is well worth it. The key to a great Bolognese sauce is patience and attention to detail, so take your time and savor the process.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
Similar to Bolognese sauce, Italian Beef Ragu is a slow-cooked meat sauce that is perfect for topping pasta or serving with polenta. The main difference is that this version uses only beef and no pork or veal. The beef is braised in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce until it becomes fall-apart tender. The result is a mouthwatering sauce that is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal. Serve it over your favorite pasta or creamy polenta for a truly satisfying meal.
Italian meatballs are a staple in most Italian-American households and for good reason. These bite-sized balls of meat are packed with flavor and can be served as an appetizer, with pasta, or on a sandwich. The key to a great Italian meatball is using a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as a variety of herbs and spices. These meatballs can be baked, fried, or simmered in sauce, depending on your preference. No matter how you choose to cook them, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you're looking for a truly indulgent and hearty meatball, then these Great Big Italian Meatballs are for you. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are large and packed with flavor. They are baked in a rich tomato sauce until they are tender and juicy. Serve them over pasta or on a crusty roll for a delicious and satisfying meal. These meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
Italian Wedding Soup, also known as minestra maritata, is a classic Italian soup that is perfect for a chilly day. The soup is made with a flavorful broth, tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. The name "wedding soup" comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which means "married soup" in reference to the perfect marriage of all the ingredients. This soup is hearty, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
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Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves
Braised beef ragu with parmesan polenta is a luxurious and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The beef is slowly braised in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce until it becomes tender and falls apart. The polenta is creamy and cheesy, making the perfect bed for the ragu. This dish is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it. Serve with a glass of red wine for a truly decadent meal.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious Italian flavors. These Keto Stuffed Peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, and herbs, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. They are low in carbs and high in flavor, making them the perfect keto-friendly meal. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.
Braciole, or involtini, is a classic Italian dish made with thin slices of beef, stuffed and rolled with a flavorful filling, and braised in a tomato sauce. The filling can vary, but it often includes breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. The result is a tender and flavorful meat roll that is perfect for a special occasion. Serve with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a truly authentic Italian experience.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
There's nothing quite like a homemade Italian meatball. These meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. They are baked until they are tender and juicy, and can be served with your favorite pasta or on a sandwich. Making your own meatballs at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure a delicious and authentic taste.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These Italian almond paste cookies, also known as amaretti, are a sweet and chewy treat that is perfect for any occasion. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are naturally gluten-free and have a delicate almond flavor. They are traditionally served during holidays and special occasions, but can be enjoyed any time of year. Serve with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.
Pasta salad is a staple at any summer barbecue or potluck, and this Italian version is sure to be a hit. Made with pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, and a homemade vinaigrette, this salad is bursting with flavor. It's the perfect side dish to bring to any gathering, or serve as a light and refreshing meal on a hot day. Feel free to add any additional vegetables or meats to make it your own.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
If you're craving a rich and creamy pasta dish, look no further than this creamy Italian ravioli. The ravioli is stuffed with a delicious mix of ground beef, spinach, and cheese, and then smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. The result is a decadent and satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Serve with a side salad and a glass of red wine for the ultimate Italian feast.
This Italian chicken casserole is an easy and flavorful one-dish meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's made with chicken, pasta, and a creamy and flavorful tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Easy 4-Ingredient Tortellini Bake
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Cheese Tortellini, Salt
This easy 4-ingredient tortellini bake is a simple and delicious meal that can be on the table in no time. It's made with just tortellini, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The result is a cheesy and comforting dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Feel free to add any additional toppings, such as Italian sausage or vegetables, to make it your own.
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Stovetop Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
If you're short on time but still craving a hearty and flavorful meat sauce, this stovetop beef ragu is the perfect solution. Made with ground beef, onion, garlic, and a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, this ragu simmers on the stovetop for just 30 minutes. Serve over your favorite pasta for a quick and easy meal that doesn't sacrifice on taste.
This Italian crescent casserole is a fun and unique twist on classic Italian flavors. It's made with layers of crescent roll dough, ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of cheeses. The end result is a delicious and indulgent casserole that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Another keto-friendly option, these Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and almond flour, making them low in carbs and high in flavor. They are baked until they are tender and juicy, and can be served with your favorite keto-friendly sauce or on a bed of zucchini noodles. These meatballs are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Italian flavors while sticking to a low-carb diet.
These Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. The mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of Italian sausage, herbs, and cheese, and then baked until they are tender and golden brown. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will disappear in no time.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
For a quick and easy version of Italian meatballs, look no further than this recipe. Made with just four ingredients - ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning - these meatballs are baked until they are tender and juicy. They can be served with your favorite pasta or on a sandwich for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, and then roasted with potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Everything is cooked on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded and delicious dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
1. Quality Meat
To make the perfect ragu sauce, you'll need to start with the best quality meat you can find. While some recipes call for a combination of meats, such as pork and beef, the Simply Italian recipe sticks to just one type of meat - beef. Look for a well-marbled cut, such as chuck or short rib, as this will give your sauce a rich and hearty flavor.
2. Aromatic Vegetables
The base of the ragu sauce is made up of a combination of aromatic vegetables. You'll need carrots, celery, and onions, commonly known as the holy trinity of Italian cooking. These vegetables add depth and flavor to the sauce, so don't skimp on them.
3. Canned Tomatoes
Using canned tomatoes is a quick and easy way to add the necessary acidity to the ragu sauce. Look for canned whole tomatoes, as they tend to have a better flavor than diced or crushed tomatoes.
4. Wine
Wine is a key ingredient in most Italian dishes, and the ragu sauce is no exception. Choose a dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to add a rich and complex flavor to the sauce.
5. Herbs and Spices
To add depth and complexity to the ragu sauce, you'll need to use a variety of herbs and spices. The Simply Italian recipe calls for garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and oregano, but feel free to experiment with your favorite Italian herbs and spices.
The Cooking Process
1. Brown the Meat
The first step in making the ragu sauce is to brown the meat. This step is essential as it adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. Make sure to brown the meat in batches and not overcrowd the pan, as this will result in steaming rather than browning.
2. Cook the Vegetables
After the meat is browned, remove it from the pan and cook the vegetables in the same pan. This will allow the vegetables to absorb the flavor from the meat and add depth to the sauce.
3. Deglaze with Wine
Once the vegetables are cooked, deglaze the pan with the red wine. This step is crucial as it loosens any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds flavor to the sauce.
4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs
Next, add the canned tomatoes and herbs to the pan and let it simmer for about 2 hours. The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor will be, so be patient and let it cook.
5. Shred the Meat
After the sauce has simmered for 2 hours, remove the meat and shred it with two forks. This will give the sauce a thicker consistency and added texture.
6. Finish the Sauce
Finally, add the shredded meat back to the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes. This will give the flavors time to meld together and create a rich and flavorful sauce.
In conclusion, the Simply Italian Channel 4 Ragu Recipe is a delicious and traditional Italian dish that will impress your friends and family. By following these simple steps, you can recreate this mouthwatering sauce in your own kitchen. So go ahead and give it a try, and we guarantee you'll be adding this recipe to your regular dinner rotation.
