Zucchini Ragù

Zucchini ragù is an excellent vegetable alternative to the classic meat ragù. It is a flavorful dish that can be paired with pasta or used as a sauce for other dishes. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 400 g of tomato passata
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Preparation

1. Start by washing and cutting the zucchinis into small cubes.
2. Finely chop the onion and garlic.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent.
4. Add the zucchini cubes to the pan and cook for a few minutes, until they start to brown slightly.
5. Pour in the tomato passata, and if desired, a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato’s acidity.
6. Lower the heat, cover the pan and let everything cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a little water to prevent the ragù from drying out too much.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and if you like, add some hand-torn fresh basil.
8. If necessary, you can blend a part of the ragù with an immersion blender to achieve a creamier texture, but this step is optional.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve the zucchini ragù hot over your choice of pasta, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your zucchini ragù! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, ideal for those looking for a vegetarian alternative without sacrificing taste.

Curiosity

The zucchini ragù can vary a lot in Italian regional recipes; some variations might include additions like olives or capers to give an extra touch of flavor. A good white wine or a light red can beautifully accompany this dish.