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Yotam Ottolenghi’s Ultimate Traybake Ragù

Yotam Ottolenghi

by Yotam Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage from Ottolenghi FLAVOUR

The plant-based ragù to end all others: this recipe delivers an incredible punch of umami flavour that will satisfy vegans and meat-eaters alike. It also happens to be extremely easy to throw together, and can be served with pasta or used as the base for a lasagne or shepherd's pie.

From the book

Ixta Belfrage, Yotam Ottolenghi

Introduction

Enough versions were made to sink a large ship in our mission to create the best meatless ragù (Ixta nearly lost her will to live, but that has happened once or twice before). There’s no denying the list of ingredients is long, but these are all there to give the ragù its fantastic umaminess. The method, however, could not be simpler. If you have a food processor, the first six ingredients can all be pulsed in it until finely chopped, saving you lots of time and effort.

The ragù will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for a month, ready to be spooned over anything from pasta to polenta (try it with the fresh corn polenta on p. 140 of Ottolenghi FLAVOUR, minus the peppers and egg), or used as the base for lasagne or shepherd’s pie. For the latter two, cook the ragù a bit less, as it will carry on cooking in the oven.

Thank you to Emily Moore and Josh Renaut, who tirelessly took home every single version of this ragù to give their thoughtful feedback as recent converts to veganism.

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Ingredients

3 carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks (250g)
2 onions, peeled and chopped into large chunks (300g)
300g oyster mushrooms, roughly chopped
60g dried porcini, roughly blitzed
4 garlic cloves, crushed
3–4 plum tomatoes, chopped into large chunks (350g)
120ml olive oil
70g white miso paste
40g rose harissa (adjust according to the brand you are using)
4 tbsp tomato paste
90ml soy sauce
2 tsp cumin seeds, crushed
180g dried brown or green lentils
100g pearl barley
1 litre vegetable or chicken stock
160g coconut cream
100ml red wine
salt and black pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C fan.

2. Working in batches, put the first six ingredients into a food processor and pulse until everything is very finely chopped (or very finely chop everything by hand if you don’t have a food processor).

3. Put the chopped vegetables into a large, 36cm x 28cm non-stick high-sided baking tray with the oil, miso, harissa, tomato paste, soy sauce and cumin seeds and mix very well. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned around the edges and bubbling.

4. Reduce the heat to 180°C fan.

5. Add all the remaining ingredients to the tray, along with 150ml of water, ⅓ teaspoon of salt and a very generous grind of black pepper. Stir very well, scraping the crispy sides and bottom with a spatula. Cover tightly with foil and bake for another 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a final 5 minutes. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes for the sauce to be absorbed a little before serving.

Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

8 Ratings

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8 Comments

    default user avatar Roger

    I double up on this recipe and store in appropriate portions in the freezer. It makes the best shepherd’s pie I’ve ever made but is exceptionally versatile as a base for many dishes.

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    default user avatar Cheetos

    I made this as the vegetarian main dish choice for a gathering, and was asked for the recipe! Served with rice.

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    default user avatar Anna

    A classic freezer meal for me now and has been for years. Well worth it

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    default user avatar Mary

    This is now a standard at all our family gatherings – and loved by all.
    It’s also the food I take over to sick friends who need something nourishing with a bit of ‘joy flavour’ in it.

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    default user avatar Diane

    Takes a looong time to cook, but the house smelled incredible.
    Served it over homemade pappardelle. 😋Everyone loved it! A1+!

    Yotam Ottolenghi is my idol❤️

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    default user avatar Katy Clough

    Ive made this a few times and every time it’s fantastic, although I use about a third less miso than it states as I don’t like food very salty. It makes absolutely loads – plenty to freeze and have another time. I would suggest mixing the ingredients in a bowl for ease as there are a lot of ingredients.

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    default user avatar Trish Spillane

    This ragu is full of so much flavour, texture and deliciousness.
    I have made it a few times, it is a winner all around

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From the book: Ottolenghi FLAVOUR

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