Ingredients
- 250g (8–9 oz) bacon, diced
- 200–250g mushrooms (cremini or button), chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 cup dry wine (red = richer, white = lighter)
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) whole tomatoes, hand-crushed
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & black pepper
How to Make It
1. Render the Bacon
In a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon slowly until golden and the fat has rendered out.
Remove about ¼ of the bacon and set aside—this becomes your crispy, salty topping later (don’t skip it).
2. Brown the Mushrooms (The Flavor Maker)
Add mushrooms directly into the bacon fat.
Let them sit undisturbed at first—this is how you get that deep golden sear. After they release their moisture, continue cooking until beautifully caramelized (about 8–10 minutes).
This step is everything. It’s where the magic starts.
3. Build the Soffritto
Add onion, celery, and carrot.
Cook low and slow for 10–15 minutes until soft, slightly golden, and fragrant. This creates that subtle sweetness that balances the richness.
4. Add Garlic & Thyme
Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until aromatic.
5. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in your wine and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Let it reduce by about half—this concentrates all that flavor.
6. Build & Simmer the Ragù
Add crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Let it simmer uncovered on low heat for 45–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick, rich, and beautifully rustic.
This is your slow moment. Let it happen.
7. Finish the Sauce
Stir in chopped spinach until wilted, then finish with fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning—it should be savory, balanced, and deeply comforting.
To Serve
Toss the ragu with tagliatelle (or pappardelle if you want something even more indulgent).
Top with:
- Honey Goat Cheese (This tastes incredible)
- Reserved crispy bacon
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- A generous shower of Parmesan
And maybe… a glass of wine on the side.
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