Directions
Vegetable Ragu Pasta: A Vegetarian Dish for Any Occasion
When we talk about vegetable ragu pasta, we’re diving into a wholesome dish that’s both flavorful and ideal for serving something healthy and nourishing. This ragu is a delightful twist on the traditional Bolognese sauce, making it a perfect choice for spring and summer seasons. It’s an excellent option for vegetable lovers, utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients like zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and peas to create a colorful and appetizing mix. To highlight the flavors, it is essential to chop the vegetables evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and the classic texture expected from a ragu.
Ingredients for Preparation
To whip up a tasty vegetable ragu for pasta, you will need:
- 1 red onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 bell pepper (ideally red or yellow)
- 2 zucchinis
- 150 g of fresh or frozen peas
- 400 g of tomato puree
- Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Pasta of your choice (ideally penne or rigatoni)
Cooking Instructions for Vegetable Ragu
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Kick off your culinary journey by cleaning the red onion, cutting it into 1 cm cubes. Next, peel the carrots and cut them into similar-sized cubes. Remember to trim and wash the zucchinis before chopping them as well. For the bell pepper, remove the seeds and white parts, then cut it into 1 cm pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Base Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and sauté on low heat for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and tender. Next, toss in the carrots and celery, continuing to cook for another few minutes.
Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers and Zucchini
Now that the base of your ragu is well mixed, it’s time to incorporate the bell peppers and zucchini. Sprinkle in a touch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Stir well and allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomato Puree
Once the vegetables are tender, add the tomato puree. Pour in a bit of water to scrape up any leftover tomato remnants in the container. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Peas
As the ragu gently simmers, it’s time to mix in the fresh peas. Add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes without a lid, allowing excess liquid to evaporate and the flavors to blend seamlessly.
Step 6: Prepare the Pasta
While the ragu is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, taking care to drain it while it’s still al dente.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Ragu
After draining the pasta, add it directly to the skillet with the vegetable ragu. Mix thoroughly, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce’s flavors. Adjust the ragu’s consistency by adding a little pasta cooking water if necessary to achieve a creamy texture.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Finally, turn off the heat and garnish your dish with fresh basil torn by hand and a drizzle of raw olive oil. Your vegetable ragu pasta is now ready to be served hot, offering a gastronomic experience that will enrich any table.
Tips for Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on seasonal vegetables. You can maintain a core of crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery. For a richer color in your ragu, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, adding a pinch of curry powder during the vegetable cooking stage will create an interesting variation.
Conclusion
Vegetable ragu pasta is not only a straightforward dish but also vibrant and flavorful, perfect for making our tables colorful in every season. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, we can create a meal that is both pleasing to the palate and nutritionally balanced. Let’s share how this recipe can be the perfect choice for a light and tasty lunch or dinner, all while upholding the delightful tastes of Italian cuisine. Enjoy your meal!
