Hearty Lamb Ragout with Sausage and Beans

Hearty Lamb Ragout: A Savory Delight for Your Dinner Table

This delectable Lamb Ragout is the epitome of comfort food, melding tender lamb with a medley of rich flavors. Perfect for a hearty one-dish meal, this recipe from Love With Recipes is ideal for family dinners and special gatherings alike. The blend of lamb, sausages, and vegetables simmered to perfection makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried great northern beans
• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds shoulder lamb chops
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 8 ounces garlic sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:
   Begin by placing 1 pound of dried great northern beans in a heavy large Dutch oven. Cover them with enough water to ensure they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans sit for 1 hour. This step will help soften the beans, making them perfect for the ragout.

2. Cook the Beans:
   After the beans have soaked, drain them and return them to the Dutch oven. Rinse 1 ounce of dried porcini mushrooms under cool running water, shaking them gently in a strainer to remove any sand. Add these mushrooms to the beans along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This simmering time will infuse the beans with the rich flavor of the mushrooms and broth.

3. Prepare the Lamb:
   While the beans are simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 1/2 pounds of shoulder lamb chops generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add the lamb chops to the skillet, searing them until browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned lamb chops to a large bowl.

4. Deglaze the Skillet:
   Add 3/4 cup of dry white wine to the same skillet you used for the lamb. Bring the wine to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This will help to incorporate those flavorful bits into your dish.

5. Combine and Simmer:
   Add the deglazed wine and browned lamb to the Dutch oven with the beans. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Partially cover the Dutch oven and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Add Vegetables:
   After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and stir in 3 chopped carrots. Continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender.

7. Finish the Ragout:
   Add 3 sliced leeks and 1/2 cup of cream to the Dutch oven. Simmer the ragout until both the beans and lamb are tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

8. Incorporate Sausage:
   Add 8 ounces of sliced garlic sausage and 1/2 cup of sliced smoked sausage to the ragout. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the solids to a large bowl. Boil the remaining liquid in the Dutch oven until it reduces to a sauce consistency, about 10 minutes. Return the solids to the pot and let them heat through.

9. Season and Garnish:
   Taste the ragout and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves to add a burst of freshness and flavor.

10. Serve:
    Your lamb ragout is now ready to be served. Enjoy it piping hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice.

Cooking Time:

This Lamb Ragout is a satisfying and wholesome dish that combines the robust flavors of lamb and sausage with the heartiness of beans and vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe will surely be a hit. Enjoy every savory bite of this incredible ragout! 🍲🌿🥩