Emma Wilson
Mushroom ragu is a hearty, flavourful sauce that can be served with pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or even used as a topping for chicken or steak. While traditional ragu is made with meat, mushroom ragu is a vegan-friendly alternative that uses mushrooms to create a meaty texture and flavour. This sauce is typically made with a combination of fresh and dried mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello, and is cooked in a rich wine and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Yes |
| Base Ingredients | Tomato sauce, red wine, garlic, onion, carrots, herbs |
| Mushrooms | Cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster, button, porcini |
| Other Ingredients | Vegetable broth, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, parmesan, heavy cream, non-dairy substitutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, gnocchi, couscous, crusty bread |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
What is ragu?
Ragu is a meat-based sauce, traditionally served with pasta. It is cooked over low heat in a braising liquid—usually tomato or wine-based—for a long time, resulting in a rich and robust sauce. The term comes from the French 'ragout', or 'ragoût', which was derived from the word 'ragouter', meaning 'to add flavour' or 'awake the appetite'. The French dish was a seasoned meat stew that was introduced to Italy by Napoleonic soldiers in 1796.
In southern Italian regions, ragu is often prepared using large quantities of beef and pork, and sometimes regional sausages, cooked with vegetables and tomatoes. The meat is braised or simmered for a long time, and sometimes served separately from the sauce. Examples of traditional meat ragus include ragù alla Napoletana (Neapolitan ragu) and carne al ragù.
However, there are many variations of ragu, including vegetarian and vegan versions. One popular vegan option is mushroom ragu, which uses mushrooms to replace the meat and create a hearty, savoury sauce. This version typically includes a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello, to add different textures and flavours. It is cooked in a rich wine and tomato sauce, along with aromatics like garlic, onion, carrots, and herbs. This vegan ragu is a comforting and flavourful dish, perfect for a chilly night, and can be served over pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or with warm, crusty bread.
Another variation of ragu is the famous ragù alla Bolognese, or Bolognese sauce, which originated in Bologna in the region of Emilia-Romagna. This sauce typically includes minced meat, onion, and tomato, flavoured with pepper and cinnamon, and is served with pasta.
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What is mushroom sauce?
Mushroom sauce is a white or brown sauce that primarily consists of mushrooms. It is a versatile sauce that can be served with a variety of dishes, including meats like steak, chicken, chops, and pork, as well as pasta, potatoes, and vegetables. The sauce can be made in different styles and with various ingredients, but it often includes cream, butter, olive oil, wine, broth, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper.
Mushroom sauce has been a part of culinary traditions for hundreds of years, with recipes dating back to at least 1864. One popular variation is mushroom ragù, which is an Italian sauce that typically includes ground meat, such as beef or pork, cooked in a tomato sauce with wine, onions, carrots, and other aromatics. However, a vegan alternative to the traditional ragù is the mushroom ragù, which replaces meat with mushrooms to create a hearty and flavourful sauce.
The process of making mushroom sauce typically involves cooking mushrooms in butter or oil until they release their liquid and it cooks off. Additional ingredients such as garlic, shallots, or onions are often added to enhance the flavour. Wine is then incorporated, followed by broth, cream, and sometimes cheese, like parmesan. The sauce is seasoned and simmered until it reaches the desired consistency.
The versatility of mushroom sauce extends beyond its use as a topping or accompaniment. It can be utilised as a base for dishes like mushroom cream sauce, which can be served with grilled tenderloin or mixed with pasta and leftover steak. The sauce can also be frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for meal preparation.
Overall, mushroom sauce is a delicious and adaptable addition to various meals, offering a savoury and indulgent experience that complements a wide range of dishes.
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What is a vegan diet?
The vegan mushroom ragu is a plant-based sauce that can be served with pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or bread. It is made with mushrooms, tomato sauce, and red wine, along with other vegetables and herbs. This vegan dish is a comforting and hearty option that provides a rich and flavorful experience.
A vegan diet is a way of eating that focuses solely on plant-based foods and excludes all animal products. Vegans do not consume meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, or any other animal-derived products, including honey. This diet is often chosen for health benefits, ethical reasons, or environmental concerns.
A vegan diet is typically based on vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and plant-based foods. It is important to plan and ensure a balanced vegan diet to obtain all the necessary nutrients. Some essential nutrients, such as calcium, iron, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and vitamin D, can be more challenging to acquire through a vegan diet, so one may need to include fortified foods or supplements.
There are various types of vegan diets, such as the raw vegan diet, which consists of uncooked plant foods, and the vegan keto diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein approach. It is important to note that some vegan diets can be restrictive and may require careful planning to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
Veganism extends beyond diet, and ethical vegans avoid using any animal products, including materials like wool and leather, and do not use products tested on animals.
Overall, a vegan diet offers a plant-based approach to eating, excluding all animal products, and can be tailored to various health and ethical goals. With proper planning, it can provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
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How to make vegan ragu mushroom sauce
This vegan mushroom ragu is cooked in a rich wine and tomato sauce, with 3 types of mushrooms for meaty texture and flavour. It's hearty, easy to make and the perfect vegan comfort food.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms: cremini, shiitake and portobello (each mushroom lends a different texture and flavour for a meatier sauce).
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Yellow onion, carrots, and garlic
- Low-sodium vegetable broth
- Tomato sauce
- Red wine
- Parsley
- Hazelnuts (optional)
- Vegan butter
Steps
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare mushrooms: wash and pat dry. Cremini: Slice off the very bottom of the stem, then slice thinly. Shiitake: Remove the stem completely, then slice thinly. Portobello: Remove the stem, then use two forks to shred. Add the mushrooms to the pot with 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Stir well and cook until the mushrooms are softened and cooked down – about 8-10 minutes.
Finally, add the red wine, tomato sauce, and the remainder of the broth. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes or so covered, then uncover and allow the mushrooms to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a ragu.
To finish, taste and adjust salt to your liking. Stir in a bit more fresh parsley. If you like, add in the chopped hazelnuts (optional).
Once the ragu is finished cooking, stir in 2 tablespoons of vegan butter and remove from heat. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with vegan parmesan and more fresh herbs.
Storage
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Serving suggestions
Ragu mushroom sauce is a versatile dish with a variety of serving options. Here are some suggestions:
Pasta
Pasta is a classic choice to serve with ragu mushroom sauce. The sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes and types, including:
- Rigatoni
- Lumache
- Orecchiette
- Pappardelle
- Reginette (wavy tagliatelle ribbons)
- Fettuccine
- Mafaldine
- Paccheri
- Fusilli
- Spaghetti
- Lasagna
- Gnocchi
For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Polenta
Polenta, a cornmeal-based dish, is another popular choice to serve with ragu mushroom sauce. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as sautéed, creamy, or mashed.
Mashed Potatoes
The hearty ragu mushroom sauce also goes well with mashed potatoes, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Couscous
Couscous, particularly pearl couscous, is another option to serve with the ragu mushroom sauce. It provides a slightly different texture and flavour profile to the dish.
Bread
For a simpler option, the ragu mushroom sauce can be served with warm, crusty bread. It can be dipped into the sauce or used to soak up the flavours.
Sides and Toppings
The ragu mushroom sauce can be accompanied by a simple, refreshing salad to balance the heartiness of the dish. Additionally, toppings such as vegan parmesan, fresh herbs, or creamy cashew ricotta cheese can be added to enhance the flavour and presentation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ragu mushroom sauce can be made vegan by using vegan-friendly ingredients. For example, swap parmesan with a non-dairy alternative and replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy substitute.
To make vegan ragu mushroom sauce, you will need mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, onion, carrots, garlic, low-sodium vegetable broth, and tomato sauce. You can also add red wine and herbs for extra flavour.
Vegan ragu mushroom sauce is typically served with pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, gnocchi, or crusty bread. It can also be used as a topping for vegan chicken or steak.
