Calling all pasta lovers! Want to take your Italian cuisine game to the next level? Look no further than this mouthwatering Smoked Lamb Ragu, from our LFR Collab Partner, Pitmaster Cory Walby of Saturday Night Test Kitchen. Trust me, this sauce is a total game-changer.
By incorporating smoke and lamb into the equation, we’ve created a match made in culinary heaven. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient – Fire Roasted Tomatoes! This quick and easy addition takes the sauce up another notch, making it one of the tops in this case.
But what exactly is a Ragu? In Italian cuisine, it’s a meat-based sauce commonly served with pasta. Traditionally, it uses minced, chopped, or ground meat, cooked with sautéed veggies in a liquid – usually liquidized tomatoes.
Now, let’s talk tomatoes. Fresh or canned? While fresh tomatoes are ideal, canned versions are readily available and packed fresh from the farm. Plus, you’ll get more bang for your buck since more tomatoes fit into the can after processing. In a pasta sauce, canned tomatoes work just fine!
Last but not least, let’s discuss herbs. While basil and oregano are classics, don’t be afraid to branch out. After testing a few times, I discovered that parsley, thyme, and rosemary add a depth of flavor that I can’t live without. So start with basil and oregano, but feel free to get creative!
Pro tip: If you’re planning on freezing this smoked lamb ragu, skip the cream as it doesn’t hold up well after thawing. So fire up the grill, grab some lamb, and get ready for a sauce that’ll knock your socks off!
KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE:
- Parm Rinds: Adding parmesan rinds to the smoked lamb ragu is the perfect way to deepen the flavor of the sauce with their salty, nutty goodness that infuses into the sauce while it simmers, making it impossible to resist!
- Cooked Gnocchi or Pasta: Gnocchi or pasta is the ideal accompaniment to the smoked lamb ragu because the sauce clings to the pasta, creating a perfect marriage of texture and flavor in every bite, and it’s just the ultimate comfort food!
- Ground Lamb: Ground lamb is the perfect protein for this dish because it is tender, flavorful, and easy to cook, making it a star ingredient in the sauce that elevates its overall richness and depth, just as you want it to be.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Fire roasted diced tomatoes are the ultimate ingredient for the smoked lamb ragu because they have an added depth of flavor and smokiness that only enhances the flavor profile of the dish, and just make it even more satisfying and savory.
- High Quality Olive Oil: High quality olive oil is like the perfect wingman, it elevates every other ingredient in the recipe and adds a touch of smoothness and sophistication to any dish.
WHAT SIDES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE SMOKED LAMB RAGU?
When it comes to smoked lamb ragu, you need sides that can hold their own against the smoky, savory flavors. Here are three top picks:
- Fresh Arugula Salad – Add shaved parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, refreshing contrast to the hearty, smoky flavors of the ragu.
- Grilled Asparagus – The fresh, crisp snap of grilled asparagus is a perfect contrast to the rich and heavy lamb ragu. Plus, it’ll make you feel better about indulging in a second helping of the main course
- Charred Broccoli – The crisp, charred edges and tender, smoky centers of roasted broccoli complement the richness of the lamb ragu perfectly.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SMOKED LAMB RAGU:
Can I use different types of wood for smoking lamb ragu? Absolutely! While I prefer fruitwoods like apple or cherry for a mild, sweet flavor, hickory or oak can add a bold, smoky kick.
Can I smoke lamb for ragu in a pellet grill? Of course! A pellet grill is a great way to achieve consistent temperature and smoke for your lamb, and the results will be just as delicious as on a traditional smoker.
Can I smoke lamb ragu indoors? While it’s not recommended to smoke indoors due to the risk of setting off smoke detectors, you can achieve a similar flavor by roasting your lamb in the oven with smoked salt or liquid smoke. However, nothing beats the authentic flavor of outdoor smoking over a live fire!
Can I use different cuts of lamb for smoking ragu? While this particular recipe call for ground lamb, you can experiment with other cuts like bone-in lamb shoulder, leg or shank. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute ground beef for ground lamb? While ground beef is a fine substitute, the unique flavor profile of ground lamb is what sets this ragu apart. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using ground wild boar for an extra gamey twist!
WHAT ARE THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR SMOKED LAMB RAGU?:
Craft beer: For a refreshing pairing, try a hoppy IPA like Dogfish Head 60 Minute or a smooth porter like Deschutes Black Butte.
Cocktail: A spicy bourbon cocktail like a Whiskey Sour or a smoky mezcal cocktail like a Mezcal Negroni will complement the smoky flavors of the lamb ragu.
Wine: A bold, tannic red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy, fruit-forward red like a Zinfandel will pair perfectly with the rich and flavorful ragu. For a white wine option, try a full-bodied Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the dish.
SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW LIVE FIRE REPUBLIC ACROSS SOCIAL, WEB AND OUR ADVENTURE CULINARY SERIES ON YOUTUBE!
Subscribe to Live Fire Republic for mouthwatering recipes, one-of-a-kind events, and epic culinary adventures on YouTube. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a newbie outdoor cook, we’ve got everything you need to elevate your grilling game. Stay connected with our community of foodies and unleash your inner live fire chef. Don’t wait – join the party today!
