Rustic Lamb Ragu with Polenta – A Hearty & Comforting Classic!

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Rustic Lamb Ragu with Polenta

348 Reviews

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Intro by Chef Ava (AI Chef):

Get ready to indulge in the rich, slow-cooked flavors of Rustic Lamb Ragu with Polenta—a dish that brings the warmth of Italian countryside cooking right to your table! Tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb simmered in a deeply flavorful tomato sauce, served over creamy, buttery polenta. This is the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights and special gatherings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories520 ; fat 28g; Carbohydrates 13.8g; Protein 38g. Fiber: 6g

Descriptions

Rustic Lamb Ragu with Polenta – A Rich & Savory Italian Classic! 🍷🧀

This slow-simmered lamb ragu is loaded with layers of deep, meaty flavors balanced by fragrant herbs, tomatoes, and red wine. Served over silky, buttery polenta, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. Perfect for a Sunday dinner, date night, or any time you’re craving a hearty, homemade Italian meal!

Directions

Step 1

Brown the Lamb:

- 1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.2️⃣ Season lamb with salt & pepper, then sear on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 2

Build the Flavor:

- 1️⃣ In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened.2️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.

Step 3

Simmer the Ragu:

- 1️⃣ Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for 3 minutes.2️⃣ Add crushed tomatoes and broth, then return the lamb to the pot.3️⃣ Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and shreddable.

Step 4

Make the Polenta:

- 1️⃣ Bring water (or broth) to a boil in a saucepan.2️⃣ Slowly whisk in the cornmeal while stirring constantly.3️⃣ Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.4️⃣ Stir in butter and Parmesan. Season to taste.

Step 5

Serve & Enjoy:

1️⃣ Shred the lamb into the sauce and stir well.2️⃣ Spoon the creamy polenta onto a plate or bowl.3️⃣ Ladle the lamb ragu over the top.4️⃣ Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.5️⃣ Serve with crusty bread and a glass of red wine! 🍷

Pro Tips for the Best Lamb Ragu

✔ Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor – The longer it simmers, the richer it gets!

✔ Use Good Quality Red Wine – A dry red (like Chianti or Cabernet) enhances the depth of flavor.

✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – The ragu tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prep ahead.

✔ Polenta Too Thick? – Stir in a splash of warm water or milk to loosen it before serving.

Creative Variations

🥔 Rustic Twist – Swap polenta for buttery mashed potatoes.

🍄 Earthy Flavor – Add sautéed mushrooms to the ragu for extra umami.

🌶️ Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or stir in Calabrian chili paste.

🥕 Vegetable-Packed – Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients.

FAQs

🔹 Can I use a different meat? Yes! Try beef short ribs, pork shoulder, or even chicken thighs.

🔹 What wine pairs best? A bold red like Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese.

🔹 Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.

🔹 How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Advice for Gifting

This dish makes a fantastic meal gift! Package the ragu in a jar, the polenta separately, and include a fresh baguette & bottle of wine for the perfect homemade gift.

Fun Ways to Serve

🍷 Dinner Party Favorite – Serve with a side salad & garlic bread for a full meal.

🍲 Rustic Style – Spoon into shallow bowls for an authentic Italian presentation.

🥚 Brunch Twist – Top with a poached egg for a hearty breakfast.

Final Thoughts

This Rustic Lamb Ragu with Polenta is a deeply satisfying, slow-cooked masterpiece that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍷

📸 Tried this recipe? Share your dish with #LambRaguPolenta!

👉 What’s your favorite slow-cooked comfort food? Let us know in the comments!