Monday, April 6, 2015

Rustic Italian Turkey Ragu with Tasti-Lee Tomatoes

Rustic Italian Turkey Ragú

We're closing out Tasti-Lee week with one of my staple recipes.  I make my Turkey Ragu once a week without fail.  It's great with pasta (of course), but for more grain-free dinners, we stuff it inside acorn squash, or use spaghetti squash in place of pasta.

Most recipes call for a touch of nutmeg, but the Pumpkin Pie Spice gives it an amazing, deep flavor!  I also use a sweeter wine, such as a California red mixture or a dark, red blend.  You can use your own perference, but remember this...if you won't drink it in a glass, then don't cook with it either.  Of course, if you drink it in a glass WHILE you cook with it...that's just fine.

I've REALLY enjoyed working with these DELICIOUS and BEAUTIFUL tomatoes.  I got SO many compliments on them, as they were a big part of our family's Easter feast.  Thank's so much Tasti-Lee!  You've been a fantastic journey!

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Rustic Italian Turkey Ragú

Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cook Time: 1-2 hours / Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
Rustic Italian Turkey Ragu Stuffed Acorn Squash
  • 3 lbs. Tasti-Lee tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 3 large scallions, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1 lb. Italian Turkey Sausage
  • 1 lb. lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 10 oz. baby bella mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
  1. Peel the tomatoes first.  This can be done either by boiling them for a few minutes first, or by placing them in a hot iron skillet and lightly rolling them around for a few minutes until the skin begins to fall off.  I prefer the second method, as boiling them can make them mushy and watery and harder to work with.  When the tomatoes are peeled, chop them roughly and set them aside.
  2. In a large dutch oven or boiling pot, heat the olive oil on high heat.  Add the bell pepper, garlic, scallions and mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften them.  Add the meat, season with salt and pepper, reduce heat to medium and cook for 7-10 minutes until the meat is browned.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, pumpkin pie spice, basil, bay leaves, brown sugar and oregano.  Stir until all ingredients are combined, adjust salt and pepper, reduce heat to a simmer and stir occasionally for 1-2 hours.  When the sauce is ready it should be a thick, reduced and concentrated ragú, with only a trace of liquid left in it.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for this yummy recipe. I was looking for something like this to cook today. Let’s hope my family will love it too. It’s looks really good in pictures

    ReplyDelete