Sicilian Ragu alla Pomodoro
Experience the rich flavors of Sicily with this authentic Ragu alla Pomodoro, a savory spaghetti sauce that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes without added sugars. This hearty sauce is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends and is incredibly versatile. You can easily enhance it by adding cooked chicken or spicy Italian sausage for an extra punch. Enjoy this rustic dish over your favorite pasta and let it transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily with each bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
ground beef
1 lb (raw, to be browned)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated, optional for serving)
parsley
1 teaspoon (chopped, for garnish)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
tomato paste
6 ounces (none)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (none)
oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
basil
1/2 tablespoon (dried)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the oil, sautéing gently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3
Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook until they become translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4
Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
5
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well with the meat and onions, cooking for another 2 minutes.
6
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, allow it to simmer longer.
7
If using cooked chicken or Italian sausage, add it to the sauce just prior to serving, allowing it to heat through.
8
Serve the ragu over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicilian Ragu alla Pomodoro?
It is an authentic Sicilian spaghetti sauce that features a savory blend of ground beef and tomatoes, prepared without added sugars for a natural sweetness.
Does this recipe contain added sugar?
No, this recipe celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and does not include any added sugars.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce base?
The sauce base consists of olive oil, garlic, onion, ground beef, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and fully cooked.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for at least 40 minutes, though simmering longer can provide a deeper flavor.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this Ragu?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 6 ounces of tomato paste.
Can I add other proteins to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken or spicy Italian sausage just prior to serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and 1/2 tablespoon of dried basil.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the ragu over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, which should be minced and sautéed until fragrant.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped onion and cook them until they become translucent.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and meat.
Is the parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese is optional and used for garnish during serving.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the minced garlic gently over medium heat for only about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried oregano and basil, you can use fresh herbs, typically doubling or tripling the amount to achieve similar potency.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total: olive oil, ground beef, parmesan, parsley, onion, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a hearty sauce perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Sicilian pasta sauce and an Italian Ragu.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The ground beef takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to brown and cook fully.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The parsley should be chopped and used as a garnish at the end of the cooking process.
Can this sauce be made in advance?
Yes, ragu sauces often taste better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Is this a rustic style dish?
Yes, the description identifies this as a rustic dish that provides a sun-kissed taste of Sicily.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
The recipe doesn't explicitly state to drain the fat, but doing so after browning can result in a less oily sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free; to keep the whole meal gluten-free, ensure you serve it over gluten-free pasta.
How many servings does this make?
While the specific serving count is not provided, the use of 1 lb of beef and 28 oz of tomatoes typically serves 4 to 6 people.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a small amount of water or extra tomato juice to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
Is this sauce spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to give it a punch.
What kind of pasta works best besides spaghetti?
Hearty sauces like Ragu pair well with thick or tubular pastas like rigatoni, fettuccine, or pappardelle.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground pork can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this Ragu.