Delicious Mushroom Ragout for Cozy Gatherings

Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Sautéing · Storage: Up to 3 days in refrigerator.

Quick Answer

To make a hearty mushroom ragout, sauté mixed mushrooms with aromatic vegetables, add broth and seasonings, and let it simmer until thickened for a warm dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Mushroom ragout is a dish that warms both the heart and the home, especially in the crisp days leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Living in New York City, I've found that as the temperatures dip, so does the bustling energy of this vibrant city. It's the perfect time for cozy meals shared with friends and family, and this mushroom ragout ticks all the boxes. It's hearty, deeply flavorful, and an impressive dish to present at your holiday gatherings.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and hearty, perfect for cozy gatherings.
• Rich, deep flavors that impress at any holiday table.
• Simple ingredients come together for an extraordinary dish.
• Versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.
• Easy to prepare, making it great for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your mushroom ragout:

Mushrooms and Aromatics

• 1 pound of mixed mushrooms-cremini, shiitake, and oyster work beautifully
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 1 cup of diced celery

Fats and Broth

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon of thyme (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Mushroom Ragout (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to create a delicious mushroom ragout that will warm your home and delight your guests.

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning your mushrooms thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water, pat them dry, and slice them into even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and maintain their flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter begins to foam, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion is translucent, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Mushrooms

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the sliced mushrooms, allowing them to release their moisture and caramelize for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Ragout

Once the mushrooms are caramelized, pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add thyme, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste the ragout and adjust the seasoning if needed. Just before serving, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve it warm over creamy polenta or alongside crusty bread for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Cleaning Step: Don't skip rinsing your mushrooms-dirty mushrooms can ruin the dish's flavor.
• Crowding the Pan: If your mushrooms are packed too tightly, they'll steam instead of brown. Give them space to develop that rich flavor.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Taste as you go! It's easy to under-season without realizing it, especially with the broth's natural saltiness.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For added depth, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after sautéing the mushrooms.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms-each variety brings unique flavors and textures to the dish!
• For a richer taste, consider finishing off with a touch of cream or crème fraîche just before serving.

Variations

• Use different mushroom varieties such as portobello or chanterelle.
• Substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a heartier flavor.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra tang.
• Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

How to Serve

• Spoon the ragout over creamy polenta for a comforting dish.
• Pair it with crusty bread for dipping.
• Serve as a filling for savory pastries.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prep ingredients a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store leftover mushroom ragout in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Through testing this recipe, I discovered that patience is key-allowing the mushrooms to brown properly enhances their flavor dramatically. Plus, the simple act of cooking these ingredients together releases the most delightful aromas that will surely make your kitchen feel like a warm embrace.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 5g protein · 15g carbs · 18g fat

Recipe by:

Dana Ramsey

Delicious Mushroom Ragout for Cozy Gatherings

A hearty mushroom ragout made by sautéing mixed mushrooms with aromatic vegetables, finished with broth and seasonings for a warm and comforting dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 1 lb. mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp. thyme (fresh or dried)
• salt and pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet

Method

 

1. Clean the mushrooms thoroughly by rinsing them under cold water, patting them dry, and slicing them into even, bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
4. Pour in broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper, and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over creamy polenta or with crusty bread.

Notes

Allowing the mushrooms to brown properly enhances their flavor dramatically, bringing delightful aromas that make your kitchen feel inviting.

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