Impressive Make-Ahead Meals

This one pot ragout is extremely flavourful and an easy weekend meal. Mushrooms blend seamlessly with the ground lamb, extending the portion size and boosting the flavour. Leftovers taste even better the next day, so save some to serve again during the busy week.

Lamb Ragout

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2.5 hoursServings: 4

Ingredients:

8 oz (227 g) fresh crimini mushrooms
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
1 lb (500 g) ground lamb
4 tbsp (60 mL) tomato paste
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) nutmeg
1 tsp (5 mL) Italian herbs
1 can (796 mL/28 oz) whole tomatoes• 1/2 cup (125 mL) red wine • 1 bay leaf
1 lb (500g) dried spaghetti
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions:

Place mushrooms in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely chopped.
Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add carrots and celery and sauté until they start to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another minute. Season with salt and pepper.
Add ground lamb and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg and Italian herbs. Stir until well combined.
Add tomatoes to the pan, breaking them up with a spatula. Add red wine and stir until well combined. Add bay leaf. Lower heat to low, place lid on pot and simmer 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure bottom does not burn.
Remove lid and taste sauce; season with salt and pepper as needed. Continue to simmer on low with the lid removed; sauce will begin to thicken.
Meanwhile prepare spaghetti as per package directions. Serve the sauce over the pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley.

Learn more about blending mushrooms into your meals at www.mushrooms.ca.