Mushroom-Tomato Ragu
Makes 7 cups—Dairy-Free
This all-purpose mushroom ragu is even better the next day. Try it with pasta, as an omelet filling, spooned on top of a baked potato … the possibilities are endless. If fresh basil is unavailable, substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons dried mixed with 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley. Ragu will keep up to four days refrigerated; it can also be frozen.
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 small cloves garlic, minced
28-oz. can tomato puree
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 lb. portobello mushrooms, sliced
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
In medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the onions and cook, stirring, until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add half of the garlic and cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomato puree, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 3 1/2 cups water. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add remaining onions and cook, stirring, until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add remaining garlic and cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes. Add all mushrooms and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and begin to release their juices, 3 to 4 minutes more. Stir in tomato mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have blended, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in basil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Serve hot.
PER cup: 92 CAL; 3 G PROT; 6 G TOTAL FAT (1 SAT. FAT); 8 G CARB.; 0 MG CHOL; 308 MG SOD.; 3 G FIBER