Italian Sausage Ragu over Creamy Polenta

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups polenta (coarse ground cornmeal)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps

1. 1 In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
2. 2 Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
3. 3 Return the sausage to the skillet and add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
4. 4 Simmer the ragu for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5 Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
6. 6 Gradually whisk in the polenta. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. 7 Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
8. 8 Serve the ragu over the creamy polenta.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ragu for extra veggies.
• Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Substitutions

• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Substitute milk for some of the water in the polenta for added creaminess.

Pairings

• Serve with a crusty baguette.
• Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a deeper flavor, brown the sausage a bit more for a crispy texture.
• Feel free to add a splash of red wine to the ragu for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Top with fresh basil or grated Parmesan before serving.

FAQ