Barilla Tortiglioni is a beloved pasta that works perfectly in hearty ragu dishes like this spicy lamb sausage ragu. This recipe combines tender tortiglioni with succulent, spiced lamb sausage to create a rich and flavorful meal that's sure to please.
#### Ingredients:
- 500g Barilla Tortiglioni
- 400g minced lamb (60% lean, 40% fat)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 500g spaghetti sausage (optional for additional flavor)
- 1 can (800ml) crushed tomatoes
- 300ml beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot.
- If you’re using spaghetti sausage, slice it into thin pieces.
2. **Cooking the Sausage:**
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the sliced spaghetti sausage for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add more oil if necessary and sauté the finely chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.
3. **Adding Lamb Mince:**
- Add the minced lamb to the pot with the vegetables. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
- Use a spoon to break up any large lumps of meat as it cooks.
4. **Building the Ragu:**
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes on low heat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any seasonings if needed.
5. **Cooking Tortiglioni:**
- While the ragu is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Barilla Tortiglioni according to package instructions. Typically, this takes about 9-12 minutes.
- Drain the tortiglioni and add it directly into the lamb and tomato sauce mixture.
6. **Final Touches:**
- Mix well to ensure the tortiglioni is evenly coated with the ragu. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the pasta is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. **Serving:**
- Serve the spicy lamb sausage ragu over a bed of Barilla Tortiglioni, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. **Storage Tips:**
- Store any leftover ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions of the dish and reheat when needed.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and hearty spicy lamb sausage ragu with Barilla Tortiglioni. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner night or as a comforting meal during colder months. Enjoy your cooking!