What does ragu mean?
Ragu is a type of Italian meat-based sauce typically served with pasta. It is a slow-cooked sauce made with ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs, and is often used in Italian cuisine, particularly with pasta dishes like spaghetti and tagliatelle. Ragu can be made with various types of meat, such as ground beef, pork, or a combination of the two, and is a staple of Italian cooking. The sauce is usually simmered for an extended period to develop a rich and flavorful taste. Ragù alla bolognese is a classic type of ragu originating from Bologna.
nounA type of Italian meat-based sauce, typically served with pasta. Ragu is a slow-cooked sauce made with ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs.
- A type of Italian meat-based sauce
- A specific type of ragu, such as ragù alla bolognese
"The spaghetti was smothered in a rich and flavorful ragu that had been simmering all day."
"The spaghetti was smothered in a rich and flavorful ragu that had been simmering all day."
"Ragù alla bolognese is a classic Italian meat-based sauce originating from Bologna."
The plural form 'ragus' is not commonly used; instead, the Italian term 'ragù' is often used as a mass noun.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ragu
The term ragu originates from the Italian language, where it is spelled as 'ragù'. It is derived from the French word 'ragout', which refers to a type of stew or meat-based sauce. The Italian version, ragù, has evolved to specifically describe a type of meat-based sauce used in Italian cuisine.
Usage notes
Ragu is often used in Italian cuisine, particularly with pasta dishes like spaghetti and tagliatelle. It can be made with various types of meat, such as ground beef, pork, or a combination of the two.