Polenta with Mushroom Ragu
User Reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
570 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Polenta with Mushroom Ragu
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Keep in mind this sauce is perfectly good with pasta, too. I like a hearty, long pasta like spaghetti, pappardelle or tagliatelle.
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Ingredients
MUSHROOM RAGU
- 3 ounces dried mushrooms, or 1 1/2 pounds fresh
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- A 6 ounce can of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- salt
- 2 cups red wine
- 2 cups mushroom soaking water
- 1 quart stock (beef, chicken or vegetable)
- freshly ground black pepper
POLENTA
- 2 cups polenta
- salt
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
Instructions
MUSHROOM RAGU
- Put the mushrooms in a bowl, pour a pint or two of boiling water over them and cover the bowl. Let this steep while you chop all the other vegetables and herbs.
- Squeeze out most of the water in the rehydrated mushrooms (reserve the water), mince the mushrooms and pour the soaking water through a strainer with a paper towel set inside into another bowl. This removes any dirt or debris in the soaking water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When it's hot, add the onion and cook until it's turning a little brown on the edges. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook another 4 or 5 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and herbs and let this cook, stirring often, for a couple minutes. You will have to work the tomato paste into the mushroom mixture.
- Pour in the wine, turn the heat to high, let it come to a boil and let it boil a minute or two. Add the soaking water and stock. Mix well, add a little salt and let this simmer down, uncovered, for at least 1 hour. It will be very soupy at first. You want it to all cook down over time.
- Once the sauce has reduced to a consistency you like, add salt if you need to, and grind fresh pepper over it. Serve with the polenta.
POLENTA
- Polenta takes about 30 to 40 minutes to make, so you'll want to start before the mushroom ragu is totally done. Start by bringing 7 cups of water to a boil. Add salt, then stir in the polenta slowly in a steady stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. If you get lumps, use a whisk to break them up.
- Turn the heat down to a simmer, and cover the pot. Stir the polenta frequently to prevent it from sticking. Depending on how coarse the polenta is, you will need 20 minutes to 40 minutes for it to become smooth and soft, not gritty.
- When it's getting close -- and if it's too thick you can add a little water as you go, just not a lot at one time -- stir in the butter a tablespoon at a time, letting each one melt before adding the next. When you are ready to serve, mix in the grated cheese.
Notes
- If you are in a hurry, you can halve the liquids so the sauce comes together faster.
- Time is your friend. The longer this cooks, the better it will be.
- If you are using fresh mushrooms, add them with the onions.
- If you happen to have it, add a tablespoon or two of porcini powder to the mix in the beginning. It adds a ton of flavor.
- If you want meat in this, use 4 slices of bacon instead of olive oil, removing and chopping the bacon after it's rendered its fat. Eat some or add it back to the ragu at the end.
- If you don't have pasta or polenta, this is great with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
570kcal
(29%)
Carbohydrates
67g
(22%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
39mg
(13%)
Sodium
469mg
(20%)
Potassium
903mg
(26%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1009IU
(20%)
Vitamin C
12mg
(13%)
Calcium
145mg
(15%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 570 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 570kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 67g | 22% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 39mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 469mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 903mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1009IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 15% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
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