What Makes This Pork Ragu So Special? 🌟
This Pork Ragu is packed with savoury flavours, but the magic lies in the balance between richness and freshness. The pork loin steaks 🥩 bring just the right amount of meatiness without being too heavy, while the white beans offer a velvety texture that absorbs all those beautiful spices. And don’t get me started on that hint of lemon – it brightens the entire dish, making every bite sing. 🎶
It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies – the diced carrot 🥕, celery, and onion all cook down to build a flavour base that’s hard to resist. Paired with canned tomatoes 🍅 and garlic 🧄, this dish is layered with flavours that develop in just a short simmer.
Tips for the Best Pork Ragu Ever 💡
- Use the best pork you can find: I love using pork loin steaks because they’re tender and cook quickly, but pork shoulder works beautifully too if you want a more slow-cooked feel.
- Don’t skip the sear! Searing the pork locks in all those juices and creates caramelised bits that deepen the flavour of your ragu. Make sure your pan is hot and oiled for that perfect sizzle. 🔥
- Lemon zest is your secret weapon: 🍋 Adding lemon zest right at the end lifts the dish and makes every flavour pop – trust me, you’ll notice the difference!
- Need extra depth? Stir in a splash of red wine 🍷 while cooking the veggies for an added richness that pairs beautifully with the pork.
Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy Your Pork Ragu 🍽️
This Pork Ragu is a little slice of heaven on its own, but there are so many ways to serve it! Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy it:
- Over pasta: Toss it with pappardelle or rigatoni for a comforting pasta dish that hugs every strand. 🍝
- With crusty bread: Dip some warm sourdough into the sauce to soak up all that delicious goodness. 🥖
- Over mashed potatoes or polenta: If you want extra comfort vibes, serve it over buttery mash or creamy polenta for a truly hearty meal. 🥔
- As a leftover lunch: This dish tastes even better the next day, so pack it up and enjoy it for a no-fuss work lunch!
Storage and Reheating: Keeping the Flavours Fresh 🥡
Have leftovers? You’re in luck because this Pork Ragu only gets better with time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavours will meld even further, making it perfect for meal prep.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a little water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.
More Recipes to Try 🍳
Share Your Creation with Me! 📸
There you have it, friends – a simple yet satisfying Pork Ragu that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, bread, or mash, this dish will fill your home with warmth and your belly with happiness. 💖 Ready to get cooking? Grab those pork steaks and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen! 🔥
If you give this Pork Ragu a try, I’d love to see your delicious creations! Snap a pic, post it on Instagram, and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s share the joy of cooking and inspire others to make this beautiful dish too! 🥰
Happy cooking and even happier eating! 😍
Pork Ragu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season your pork steak with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Sizzle in a hot pan for 2 mins each side until golden.
- Set aside to rest.
- In the same pan, sauté veggies with extra olive oil, salt, and pepper for 5 mins.
- Add garlic, stock cubes, tomatoes, and white beans plus 1/2 cup water. Let it simmer for 15 mins.
- Dice the pork, mix it back into your pan, and heat through.
- Finish by adding lemon zest, juice, and roughly chopped basil leaves.
- Serve this heartwarming ragu and relish the wonderful flavors! 🥰 Keep spreading the love and joy with scrumptious meals. Stay fabulous and happy cooking! 💖
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Make it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.
Yes! If you want a more tender, slow-cooked feel, you can swap pork loin steaks for pork shoulder or pork belly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
While pork is the star here, you could replace the meat with extra white beans or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Just amp up the seasonings for the best flavour!