Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cook the Mushrooms
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deeply browned on the bottom. Stir and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with another tablespoon oil and remaining mushrooms. Do not salt yet - salting too early prevents browning.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, then onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to turn golden at the edges. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Push onions to the side, add tomato paste to the cleared spot, and cook 2 minutes until it turns a deep rust color and smells sweet. Stir into onions, then add red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer 2 minutes until reduced by half.
- Return mushrooms and any accumulated juices to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and rosemary sprigs. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the mushrooms are tender but still have some bite. The sauce should coat a spoon but not be pasty.
- Remove rosemary stems. Off heat, swirl in cold butter and grated cheese until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust salt - you'll need more than you think. Stir in parsley. Serve over creamy polenta, pappardelle, or mashed potatoes, with extra cheese at the table.
Notes
For deeper umami, add 1 teaspoon soy sauce or a small handful of dried porcini soaked in warm water (chop the porcini and strain the soaking liquid into the ragu). The ragu improves after a day in the refrigerator and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. If serving with pasta, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce before tossing.
