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Savory Mushroom Ragu

savory mushroom ragu recipe - featured image

A rich and hearty mushroom ragu simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) red wine (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or mushroom broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Clean and slice 16 oz (450 g) of cremini mushrooms. Wipe with a damp cloth instead of washing with water to avoid sogginess.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms caramelize and brown edges form.
  5. Pour in ½ cup red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. (If skipping wine, use broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.)
  6. Stir in canned whole peeled tomatoes (crush with spoon), tomato paste, and vegetable or mushroom broth. Mix well.
  7. Add fresh thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  8. Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
  9. Serve the mushroom ragu over pasta, creamy polenta, or toasted crusty bread. Top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking mushrooms to ensure proper caramelization. Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or simmering longer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of sugar or splash of vinegar if tomatoes are too sharp. For a smoother texture, blend briefly with an immersion blender after simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: mushroom ragu, tomato sauce, vegetarian, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, mushroom sauce, homemade ragu