Absolutely! While ragù is commonly associated with pasta dishes, it can be used in a variety of other culinary creations. Ragù is a versatile meat-based sauce that pairs well with different ingredients and can add depth of flavor to various dishes. Here are a few examples of how you can use ragù beyond pasta:
Polenta: Serve ragù over creamy polenta for a comforting and flavorful meal. The rich meat sauce complements the smooth texture of the polenta beautifully.
Lasagna: Layer ragù between sheets of pasta, along with béchamel sauce and cheese, to create a delicious lasagna. The ragù adds a hearty meaty element to the dish.
Meatball Subs: Stuff meatballs made from the ragù into a sub roll or baguette and top them with melted cheese for a scrumptious sandwich.
Shepherd's Pie: Replace the traditional ground meat filling in a shepherd's pie with ragù for a twist on this classic dish. Top it with mashed potatoes and bake until golden and bubbly.
Stuffed Vegetables: Use ragù as a filling for vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Fill the hollowed-out vegetables with ragù, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until tender.
Pizza Topping: Spread a layer of ragù over pizza dough as an alternative to tomato sauce. Top it with cheese, vegetables, and other desired toppings before baking for a flavorful pizza.
Rice Dishes: Add ragù to risottos, fried rice, or other rice-based dishes for added richness and flavor. The ragù blends well with the grains and adds a savory element to the dish.
These are just a few examples, but you can get creative and experiment with incorporating ragù into different recipes based on your preferences and culinary imagination. Ragù's savory and robust flavors can enhance a wide range of dishes beyond pasta.