Vanessa:
This pasta sauce is absolutely amazing! My son is obsessed with ragù but my daughter despises tomatoes, making pasta-night a recipe nightmare! This re...
Craving the comfort of a classic Italian ragù but looking for a twist? Discover the irresistible White Ragù, a centuries-old Tuscan recipe that stands out for its rich, hearty flavor without the use of tomatoes. While the traditional ragù alla Bolognese is renowned worldwide, this bianco (white) variation skips the red wine and tomatoes, resulting in a velvety sauce that highlights the natural flavors of quality meats and aromatics.
This robust meat sauce is perfect for anyone who loves depth of flavor but prefers to avoid tomato-based dishes. It’s a real showstopper for family gatherings or dinner parties, especially when paired with rustic pasta shapes like Pici or Pappardelle, whose rough surfaces soak up every drop of this creamy delight.
For best results, invest in authentic Italian sausage and fresh high-quality ingredients—the difference in taste is remarkable. Want to take it a step further? Prepare your own homemade pasta for a truly unforgettable meal, embodying the spirit of Italian hospitality.
Serve this white ragù with a glass of crisp white wine, and you’ll be serving up a piece of Italian culinary history that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!
IngredientsTry it with...
Preparation
for 4 servings
Step
1
Of 2
Finely dice onion, carrot, and celery (brunoise—about 1 mm cubes) for a classic soffritto base. Cut your choice of meats—such as pork, veal, or high-quality sausage—into small cubes (around 3 mm) to ensure even cooking. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan, then add the vegetables. Sauté gently until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Next, add the cubed meats and let them sear, stirring occasionally, until they develop a delicious crust and caramelized edges for deep flavor development.
Step
2
Of 2
Once the meats and vegetables are beautifully golden, pour in a generous splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. Let the wine bubble away, scraping the bottom to capture all the caramelized bits. When the alcohol has evaporated, reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Begin adding whole milk in small increments, allowing the sauce to become rich and creamy as it simmers. Over the next 40 minutes, continue to add milk as needed and stir gently to prevent sticking. About halfway through, taste and season with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The finished sauce should be thickened and luscious, perfect for spooning generously over your favorite pasta.
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
...Great Italian Goodies!
A definite balance between sweet and savory flavors that linger pleasantly.
View productA definite balance between sweet and savory flavors that linger pleasantly.
View productVanessa Wednesday 9th of December 2020
Perfect for Everyone!
This pasta sauce is absolutely amazing! My son is obsessed with ragù but my daughter despises tomatoes, making pasta-night a recipe nightmare! This recipe is absolutely perfect for both of them - what a relief!