Turkey Ragù: A Hearty Italian Sauce Recipe
This savory and flavorful Turkey Ragù is a perfect sauce to accompany your favorite pasta, risotto, or even a hearty stew. Made with lean turkey meat, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a rich homemade turkey broth, this dish brings a delicious, comforting warmth to any meal. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe yields enough to serve four people generously.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turkey legs (bones) | 900g |
| Carrots | 60g |
| Celery | 60g |
| White onions | 60g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| White wine | 80g |
| Sage | To taste |
| Rosemary | To taste |
| Thyme | To taste |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 40g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Turkey (boneless) | As needed |
| Water | 5L |
| Carrots | 30g |
| Celery | 30g |
| White onions | 30g |
| Fresh parsley | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Preparation
1. Making the Broth:
Start by preparing a rich, flavorful turkey broth, which will be the base of your ragù. To do this, carefully remove the bones from the turkey legs using a sharp knife. Place the bones into a large pot along with celery, carrots, onions, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Cover everything with water and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface and let it simmer for at least two hours on low heat. The longer it cooks, the more flavor it will develop, so feel free to leave it simmering longer if time allows.
2. Preparing the Ragù Base:
While the broth is cooking, prepare the aromatic vegetable base for the ragù. Peel and chop the carrots, celery, and onions into small pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme) to bring out their fragrance and flavor.
3. Preparing the Turkey Meat:
For the turkey, you will need boneless turkey meat, ideally from the same turkey used to make the broth. Cut the turkey meat into thin strips and then finely mince it using a meat grinder or a sharp knife. If you don’t have a meat grinder, your butcher can do this for you, or you can chop the meat by hand into a fine consistency.
4. Cooking the Ragù:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and the minced garlic. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors. Then, add the finely minced turkey meat to the pan and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Deglaze and Simmer:
Once the turkey is browned, pour in the white wine and let it cook off for a few minutes, stirring constantly to incorporate the flavors. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes, which will contribute a burst of umami to the ragù. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the ragù to simmer gently for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Final Touches:
Once the ragù is simmering and the flavors have developed, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasoning. If needed, add more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs. You can also add a splash of broth if you prefer a more liquid sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Turkey Ragù pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. You can serve it over pasta such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rigatoni, allowing the sauce to cling to the noodles. It also makes an excellent topping for creamy polenta, risotto, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Tips and Variations:
- Slow Cooker Method: If you have more time, you can make this ragù in a slow cooker. Simply place all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method will help the flavors develop even more deeply.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this ragù, substitute the turkey with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
- Add Heat: If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce as it simmers.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Turkey Ragù, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal shared with loved ones. Buon appetito!
