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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Sicilian Mince and Pea Ragù: A Truly Traditional Sauce

Sicilian Mince and Pea Ragù: A Truly Traditional Sauce

📖 What is it

Discover the rich, flavoursome Sicilian mince and pea ragù — a hearty sauce that’s perfect for pasta or filling classic dishes like baked anelletti and arancini.

⏱️
Prep Time
About 20 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
Around 1 hour and 50 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ All year round
4.7/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 300g minced veal
  • 1 litre tomato passata
  • 100g shelled peas
  • 1 onion
  • ½ celery stalk with leaves
  • A handful of parsley
  • 1 carrot
  • Vegetable stock, as needed
  • 1 glass white wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
350 kcal
Protein
26 g
Fat
18 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fiber
3 g
Sodium
310 mg

This Sicilian mince and pea ragù is a thick, fragrant sauce that forms the heart of many traditional island recipes such as oven-baked anelletti and arancini. Slow, patient cooking brings out a deep, authentic flavour reminiscent of old-world kitchens.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrot, then gently sauté them in a saucepan with four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

  2. 2

    Add the minced veal, breaking it up well to prevent large lumps forming, and cook for a few minutes until browned.

  3. 3

    Pour in the white wine and allow it to fully evaporate.

  4. 4

    Stir in the peas and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Add the tomato passata, then season with sugar, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the chopped parsley.

  6. 6

    Cover with a lid and simmer gently on a low heat for about an hour and a half, adding hot vegetable stock if the sauce starts to dry out.

  7. 7

    Once cooked, adjust seasoning as needed and use this mince and pea ragù to dress pasta, make lasagne, or fill the famous Sicilian arancini.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a deeper flavour, stir in a tablespoon of tomato purée or swap some of the veal for pork mince. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Sicilian pecorino cheese for an authentic touch.

📦 Storage

  • Store the mince and pea ragù in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
  • Alternatively, freeze in portions for a convenient ready-to-use sauce whenever you need it.

🍷 Pairing

This Sicilian mince and pea ragù pairs beautifully with a glass of Sciacca Cabernet Sauvignon, a full-bodied, rounded red wine that brings out its rich aromatic notes.

Give this hearty Sicilian ragù a go at home — it’s a real crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of Italian sunshine to your dining table. Perfectly comforting and full of flavour, it’s ideal for gathering friends and family around for a rustic meal. Don’t forget to share your creations and enjoy every comforting, delicious mouthful together!

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