Chris Bavin’s Quick Spicy Sausage Ragu
If you want a flavour-packed bowl of spaghetti on the table in under half an hour, you can't go wrong with Chris Bavin's quick and easy sausage ragu.
From the book
Good Food, Sorted: Save Time, Cook Smart, Eat Well
Over 100 recipes from the much-loved Chris Bavin
Budget-friendly and time-saving family favourites
Easy puddings and bakes to please a crowd
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Introduction
This spicier twist on the classic ragu is tasty, satisfying, and quick to prepare and cook. Try experimenting with different flavoured sausages to find your favourite flavour combinations. The ragu is perfect for cooking ahead; simply reheat thoroughly and serve with pasta for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
| 1 | onion, chopped |
| 2 tbsp | olive oil |
| 2 tsp | Hot and Smoky Spice Mix (see below) or hot smoked paprika |
| 2 | garlic cloves, sliced |
| 8 | good-quality sausages, skins removed |
| 200g (7oz) | mushrooms, sliced |
| good splash of white wine (about 150ml/5fl oz) | |
| 400g | can chopped tomatoes |
| 200ml (7fl oz) | chicken stock |
| salt and freshly ground black pepper | |
| 400g (14oz) | spaghetti or linguine |
| Parmesan shavings | |
| torn basil or parsley leaves, or chopped chives, to garnish | |
| For the optional Hot and Smoky Spice Mix: | |
| 4 tbsp | smoked paprika |
| 2 tsp | freshly ground black pepper |
| 2 tsp | garlic powder |
| 1 tsp | ground cumin |
| 1–2 tsp | cayenne pepper |
Method
To make the Hot and Smoky Spice Mix (if using):
These spices add heat and pungency to dishes, giving an authentic Mexican kick.
Mix together the smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 year.
To make the ragu:
1. Fry the onion in a large frying pan with a tablespoon of the olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until it is soft, then add the spice mix or paprika and garlic, fry for another minute, and scrape everything onto a plate.
2. Add the sausages to the pan with the rest of the oil and cook until they are a light golden brown, breaking them up with a wooden spoon as you fry them.
3. Put the onion back in the pan along with the mushrooms and fry for a minute before adding the wine. Bring to a simmer and leave to bubble gently until the wine has reduced by half, then add the tomato sauce or tomatoes and the stock. Simmer for 10 minutes then season with salt and pepper.
4. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and stir the pasta through the sauce, adding some of the pasta water to loosen it if the sauce is a bit thick. Serve with a scattering of Parmesan shavings and the herbs.
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