Spring Chicken Ragu Recipes

CHICKEN RAGU

Steps:

• Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken thighs and Italian sausage. Stir cook, breaking sausage into small pieces, until chicken is browned and sausage meat is no longer pink.
• Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic and bay leaf and continue to stir cook until the onion is softened.
• Stir in Marsala.
• Bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits that are stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer until half of the liquid has evaporated (about 15 minutes). Transfer this mixture to a Dutch oven.
• Mix in mushrooms, tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste and cloves.
• Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for 45 minutes.
• Serve as a stew with a salad and French bread or serve as a sauce for your favourite pasta.
• Makes 4 to 6 servings.

SAUSAGE-AND-PEPPER RAGU OVER POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high; melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pierce sausages with a fork; add to skillet. Cook until browned in places, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Meanwhile, cut vegetables into 1/2-inch slices; add to skillet. Season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until browned in places, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Return sausages to skillet with 3/4 cup broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover; simmer until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes more.
• In a saucepan, combine polenta, 2 cups broth, and 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and cheese; season with salt and pepper. Serve, with ragu, parsley, and more cheese and pepper.