Ceci Ragu Recipes

RAGù

Steps:

• To prepare the ragu start to peel the carrot with peeler or a knife, so as to remove the outer layer; do the same with a rib of celery, also removing the top and the bottom part of the stem, including leaves that will not be used for this preparation. Remove the outer layer of the onion and then cut it all into small cubes of uniform size and shape, in a way to ensure a perfect cooking. In a large saucepan with thick bottom pour the extra virgin olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced celery, carrot and onion and cook for 15 minutes until the onion are slightly transparent and begins turning a golden color. Add the bacon, stir and cook for a few minutes. Add the minced meat, mix well all the ingredients together and let it cook over high heat for a few minutes. Deglaze with white wine, stir well and cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the bottom will be dry, in this way you'll make evaporate the alcohol while maintaining only the aroma of the wine.In the meantime mix the tomato paste with half a glass of hot meat broth, in order to melt it. When the wine has evaporated add the broth in which you have melted the tomato paste, and add the tomato sauce; stir well and cover the pot with a lid. Now turn down flame on the stove at the lowest setting and cook for an hour. After an hour add salt and pepper and a few ladles of hot broth into the sauce, it's important to use only hot broth -and not cold- to avoid the interruption of the cooking of the sauce; cover with the lid and cook for another 3 hours, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon so that the ragù does not stick to the bottom. If you see that the ragù sauce dries too much during the cooking, add a ladle of hot broth when needed.

CECI RAGU

Steps:

• combine all ingredients except salt and pepper in a large saucepan (2 qt minimum).
• bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• reduce ragu to desired consistence.
• season with salt and pepper to taste.
• serve with brown rice or pasta.

CHICKEN WITH CHICKPEA AND TOMATO RAGU

Steps:

• Toss the chicken breasts with the salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan and heat an additional 30 seconds. Add the onion, garlic and fennel to the hot pan. Season with salt and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are beginning to soften and are fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the oregano and garlic powder to the vegetables and stir to combine. Continue to cook until the vegetables are translucent and beginning to brown slightly, another 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes to the pan along with the vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Using the back of a wooden spoon, crush the tomatoes into medium-sized pieces. Simmer for 10 minutes while you start the chicken.
• Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil and heat an additional 30 seconds. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook until the chicken is evenly browned on both sides, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully ladle the tomato mixture over and around the chicken, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the chickpeas and butter and cook to heat through, 2 more minutes. Did you taste it? Season with additional salt, garlic powder or garlic salt if needed. Stir in the basil and serve topped with Parmesan, if desired.

CHICKPEA RAGOUT

Steps:

• 1. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic; wilt, stirring, for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cumin and stir to mellow.
• 2. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, thyme, honey, lemon juice, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 4 minutes.
• 3. While the chickpeas cook, prepare the couscous according to package directions.
• 4. Taste the chickpeas and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and stir in the parsley. Serve over couscous in shallow bowls.

VEGETABLE AND CHICKPEA RAGOUT

Steps:

• Simmer tomatoes, chickpeas, Onion and Garlic Mix, Broccoli and Red Bell Pepper Mix, salt, oregano, pepper, pepper flakes and ½ cup water in a medium pot until liquid reduces by half, about 20 minutes. Add artichokes, peas and olives; cook 10 minutes more.
• Quick tip:
• While cooking, make the filling for the shepherd's pie. If not eating immediately, pour into an airtight container and freeze. Otherwise, toss with penne and basil and serve.
• To reheat:
• Microwave on high 2 minutes; stir; microwave 2 minutes more. Mix with penne and basil.