Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu

So, I have a few packs of Lamb mince in the freezer which needs to be used. Instead of making the usual shepherds pie, I thought I would try this instead. It is another Nigella recipe (I have had fun trawling through her website!), so I have high hopes for this!

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons garlic infused olive oil
• 8 spring onions (finely sliced)
• 2 teaspoon dried mint
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chillies (or 1/2 tsp cayenne as my crushed chillies had disappeared!)
• 500 grams minced lamb
• 2 x 400 grams can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoon redcurrant jelly
• 3 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• pinch of salt
• grinding of pepper
• 500 grams pappardelle
• fresh mint to serve (optional)

Method

1. Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta, and warm the garlic oil in a small, heavy-based pan that comes with a lid, and cook the spring onions, stirring for a minute or so.
2. Sprinkle in the herbs and chilli, stirring again before adding the meat. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring, until it loses a bit of its pinkness.
3. Add the tomatoes, redcurrant jelly, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, then give a good stir and bring to a bubble. Partially cover with the lid and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. At the appropriate time, salt the boiling water and cook the pasta according to packet instructions (ours took eight minutes), and once cooked and drained, dress with the lamb ragù. Sprinkle a little bit of fresh mint onto each bowl to serve.

I have to admit, I didn’t use Paradelle. The supermarket only had one type, it was £3 for 250g… and I think that £6 for pasta is probably pushing it. I am using Napolini Tortglioni for a much more reasonable price.

The verdict is back. Clean plates all around. The lamb is undoubtedly sweet, the chilli gives it a subtle kick but not enough to upset the kids. A huge thumbs up, and we will be having this again soon.

Update: We had leftovers tonight, and it wasn’t as good as when freshly cooked. The sweetness and chilli flavours seem to have disappeared. Still good though.