Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Ragù: The Ultimate Sunday Pasta Sauce
Unearth the rich, comforting flavours of Sicilian ragù — the perfect sauce for your Sunday lunch.
📖 What is it
Unearth the rich, comforting flavours of Sicilian ragù — the perfect sauce for your Sunday lunch.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400g veal, cut into chunks
- ✓ 4 Sicilian sausages
- ✓ 50g lard
- ✓ 1 litre tomato sauce
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Sicilian ragù is a cherished culinary tradition, passed down through generations on the island. Also known as sucu di carne, this hearty sauce is the soul of family Sunday lunches, where homemade pasta takes centre stage. Its enveloping aroma and deep, rich flavour come from the unique Sicilian tomato paste, known as strattu, which imparts a gentle sweetness born from the island’s intense sunshine. This dish conjures images of family gatherings filled with stories and laughter, as the sauce simmers slowly, filling the home with warmth and nostalgia.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently soften the finely chopped onion in the lard and extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan.
- 2
Add the veal and sausages, cut into chunks, and brown nicely.
- 3
Season with salt and pepper, then pour over half a glass of warm water mixed with the tomato paste.
- 4
Add half a litre of tomato sauce, cover, and let it simmer gently for three and a half hours, adding warm water if it starts to dry out.
- 5
Once cooked, chop the sausages into pieces, shred the veal, and return everything to the pan for a few minutes to meld the flavours.
- 6
Serve the ragù tossed with your favourite pasta, with an optional dollop of fresh sheep’s ricotta.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an even more authentic kick, swap in spicy Sicilian sausage. If you prefer a looser sauce, simply add more tomato sauce while it simmers.
📦 Storage
- • Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- • Freezing is not recommended.
- • Warm gently over a low heat before serving.
🍷 Pairing
This Sicilian ragù pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine like a Nero d’Avola.
This ragù is more than just a sauce—it's a way to bring a little Sicilian sunshine and heartwarming tradition to your table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a go at home, especially for those cherished Sunday gatherings. Don’t be shy about sharing it with loved ones — good food, after all, is best enjoyed together!
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