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Spicy Lamb Ragu Recipe

Posted February 17, 2018 by Stephanie

Spicy Lamb Ragu Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.com

Hearty and comforting, this lamb ragu is just the thing you need to keep away the winter blues. There’s something about a huge portion of pasta covered in saucy meat ragu that is ultra warming. The second best part about making this, aside from the fact that you get to eat it, is that it fills your house up with the most delicious smells.

Spicy Lamb Ragu Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.com

A bit spicy, very rich, and filling, this lamb ragu should be your next weekend project. It’s mostly hands off and if you make a double batch, you’ll have more than enough for leftovers to get you through the week.

Spicy Lamb Ragu Recipe | www.iamafoodblog.com

Spicy Lamb Ragu Recipe
serves 4


  • 1.5 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil
  • 125 grams pancetta (about 1/4 cup chopped)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 cups white wine
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2-3 cups low sodium beef stock (enough to cover)

Lightly pat the lamb dry with a paper towel and season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. In a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with a lid, heat a bit of oil up over medium high heat. When hot, add the lamb and sear until a very deep brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

If the pan is dry, add a bit more oil then add the pancetta and brown. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring, until soft, but not brown. Stir in the cumin and red pepper flakes. Deglaze the pan with the wine and reduce by about half. Stir in the tomato paste.

Add the lamb back into the pot, along with the stock bring to a gentle simmer, turn down the heat, partially cover and braise for 2 hours, or until the lamb is pull apart fork tender.

Remove the lamb, let cool and shred. Add back to the pot and taste and adjust seasoning.

I served this with fresh tagliatelle and peas, but it will taste delicious over any pasta, rice, or grain.

3 Comments

  1. Lamb Ragu could quite possibly be the answer to many of life’s questions! This looks and sounds delicious!

  2. Susan says:

    Is 1TBSP red pepper flakes correct? Seems like an enormous amount for this dish.

    1. Stephanie says:

      hi susan,
      yes, it’s spicy! you can adjust as needed and add just a bit.

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