Herb-Infused Oven-Baked Sausage Ragu
This delightful Herb-Infused Oven-Baked Sausage Ragu is a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s rustic charm, this recipe melds the flavors of juicy heirloom tomatoes, crispy pancetta, and aromatic herbs to create a rich, savory sauce. The sausages infuse the ragu with deliciousness as they roast to perfection amidst the bubbling tomatoes. Serve it with crusty Italian bread, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of this melt-in-your-mouth sauce. Share this deliciousness with friends and family, and enjoy the warmth of homemade comfort food.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing pancetta)
pancetta
1/4 lb (cut into small pieces)
heirloom tomatoes
2 lbs (cored)
fresh bay leaves
5-6 (or use 2 dried leaves)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (chopped)
sausage
1 lb (your choice of type)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling on sausages)
garlic cloves
5-6 (peeled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place a large roasting pan inside to warm up.
2
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the pancetta, tossing to coat. Transfer the mixture to the hot roasting pan and roast until crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Once crispy, push the pancetta to one side of the pan and add the bay leaves, fresh oregano, and rosemary, allowing them to release their fragrance.
3
Next, carefully place the cored heirloom tomatoes into the roasting pan with the core side down. Roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the skins start to blister. Once blistered, carefully pinch off the skins and help the tomatoes mix with the pancetta and herbs without breaking them completely.
4
Drizzle the sausages with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and rub it in to coat evenly. Nestle the sausages among the blistered tomatoes in the pan. Scatter the peeled garlic cloves around the sausages and tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5
Return the pan to the oven and let it roast for 1 hour, turning the sausages every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
6
Once cooked, serve the ragu hot, drizzled with a touch of high-quality balsamic vinegar for an added depth of flavor. Pair it with crusty Italian bread, creamy polenta, or rice for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Herb-Infused Oven-Baked Sausage Ragu.
What is the main inspiration for this ragu?
The dish is inspired by the rustic charm of Jamie Oliver's cooking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C.
How much pancetta is needed?
You will need 1/4 lb of pancetta cut into small pieces.
How long do I roast the pancetta?
Roast the pancetta for 10-15 minutes until it becomes crispy.
Which herbs are used in this ragu?
The recipe uses fresh bay leaves, chopped fresh oregano, and chopped fresh rosemary.
Can I use dried bay leaves instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 5-6 fresh bay leaves with 2 dried leaves.
How many heirloom tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of cored heirloom tomatoes.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for roasting?
Core the heirloom tomatoes and place them in the pan with the core side down.
How long should the tomatoes roast to blister?
Roast the tomatoes for about 5 minutes until the skins begin to blister.
What do I do after the tomato skins blister?
Carefully pinch off the skins and mix the tomatoes with the pancetta and herbs.
How much sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of sausage of your choice.
How should I prepare the sausages before roasting?
Drizzle them with olive oil and rub it in to coat them evenly.
How many garlic cloves should I add?
Scatter 5-6 peeled garlic cloves around the sausages and tomatoes.
What is the total final roasting time?
Return the pan to the oven and roast for 1 hour.
How often should I turn the sausages during the final roast?
Turn the sausages every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
What should I drizzle on the ragu before serving?
Drizzle with a touch of high-quality balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
What are the best side dishes for this ragu?
Serve it with crusty Italian bread, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil in total.
Do I need to chop the rosemary?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
Do I need to chop the oregano?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano.
Is the garlic minced or whole?
The garlic cloves are used whole and peeled.
Should I season the dish?
Yes, season generously with salt and pepper before the final roasting step.
What type of sausage works best?
You can use any type of sausage you prefer.
Do I remove the tomato skins?
Yes, the skins should be pinched off once they have blistered in the oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the primary vegetable in this ragu?
Heirloom tomatoes are the primary vegetable.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for cozy family dinners.
Can I serve this with pasta?
While bread, polenta, and rice are suggested, it also works well as a pasta sauce.