This lamb ragoût really reminds of holidays in Italy. Really simple but with a great concentrated flavour. No doubt it would be fab with some freshly made pappardelle, but dried was all we could muster on this occasion.
Wine Suggestion: While a red is often the first thought when matching a Ragoût, an oaked white would also work just as well with this dish. The Zuani Riserva from Collio in north eastern Italy would be a good choice. Delicately toasty with vanilla and touch of tropical fruit and some creamy, ripe stone-fruits. Broad and rich, creamy, thick fruit texture, peach and yellow plum with a long and gently spicy finish.
However if you feel like red, like Jules did tonight, then an elegant Sangiovese makes a good option and the Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Rufina is a favourite of ours. Always superb.
Lamb Ragoût – serves 4 to 6
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 fresh or dried bay leaves
- 1 thyme sprig
- 1kg lamb shoulder, cut into small dice
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 125ml white wine
- 500ml lamb stock
- fresh or dried pappardelle pasta
- chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve
- grated Parmesan, to serve
Heat the oil in a large casserole dish, add the onions, celery and carrot and sweat until translucent. Add the garlic, baby leaves and thyme. Add the lamb and season well with salt and pepper, sweat, then add the tomato purée.
Cook for a few minutes, then deglaze with the wine. Add the lamb stock and simmer for 3 hours, covered, until reduced – add more stock or water if it becomes too dry.
Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and stir into the ragoût with the parsley and Parmesan.
(Original recipe from The Skills by Monica Galetti, Quadrille, 2016.)
Jono & Jules do food & wine 
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