Savory Italian Sausage Ragu
This Savory Italian Sausage Ragu is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any lunch or snack occasion. Crafted with a blend of sweet or spicy Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and rich canned tomatoes, this gravy creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings beautifully to polenta. The inclusion of fresh garlic and onions enhances the savory depth of the dish, while the fragrant basil and thyme offer a delightful herbal note. Serve this ragu drizzled over soft or firm polenta, topped with a generous sprinkle of Romano cheese for an authentic Italian experience that will impress your family and friends alike.
4-6
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Onion
1 small (minced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Italian sausage
1 lb (sweet or hot, casings removed)
Canned tomatoes
28 ounces (crushed or diced)
Fresh basil
4 tablespoons (chopped, divided)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried (or oregano as an alternative))
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the Italian sausage meat to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown it slightly on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once browned, drain off any excess fat from the pan to keep the ragu from becoming greasy.
5
Stir in the thyme, canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and mix well.
6
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once bubbly, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least one hour, stirring occasionally.
7
In the final 15 minutes of cooking, add the remaining chopped fresh basil to the pot, mixing it in gently.
8
Serve the ragu hot over soft or firm polenta, and top with extra Romano cheese as desired.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
10g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Sausage Ragu?
Savory Italian Sausage Ragu is a hearty and flavorful meat sauce made with Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and rich canned tomatoes, typically served over polenta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 150 calories per serving of this ragu.
What type of Italian sausage should I use?
You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage with the casings removed, depending on your spice preference.
How long should the ragu simmer?
The ragu should simmer on low heat for at least one hour to allow the flavors to develop.
What are the suggested serving options?
It is recommended to serve the ragu hot over soft or firm polenta, topped with Romano cheese.
Can I substitute the thyme in the recipe?
Yes, you can use oregano as an alternative if you do not have dried thyme.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 9 grams of fat.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 7.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the ragu?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why do I need to drain the fat from the sausage?
Draining the excess fat after browning helps prevent the ragu from becoming overly greasy.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What size onion is used for the base?
One small onion, finely minced, is used for the base of the sauce.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What amount of canned tomatoes should I buy?
You will need a 28-ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes.
How much fresh basil is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil is used, added in two separate stages.
When do I add the first portion of fresh basil?
Two tablespoons of the chopped fresh basil are added along with the tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
When is the remaining basil added to the pot?
The remaining 2 tablespoons of basil are stirred in during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed in olive oil for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are translucent.
How long should the garlic be cooked?
The garlic should be sautéed for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
How long does it take to brown the Italian sausage?
The sausage should be browned for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What type of cheese is recommended as a topping?
Romano cheese is suggested for an authentic Italian flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, the description notes it is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for lunch or snack occasions.
Can I use firm polenta instead of soft?
Yes, the ragu can be served over either soft or firm polenta.
What are the primary herbs used in this ragu?
The primary herbs used are fresh basil and dried thyme.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be peeled and minced before being added to the sauce.
What consistency of canned tomatoes works best?
You can use either crushed or diced canned tomatoes depending on the texture you prefer.
Should the pot be covered during the simmering process?
Yes, after reducing the heat to low, you should cover the pot while it simmers for an hour.
How many individual ingredients are listed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
What is the first step once the sauce reaches a boil?
Once the sauce is bubbly, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to begin the slow cooking process.