What is the Difference Between Ragu and Ragout

Ragù and ragout may sound alike, but they are two different dishes from different countries. Both are slow-cooked European dishes made over low heat, which helps to develop deep flavors. However, ragu is not the same as ragout.

What is the difference between ragu and ragout? Ragù is an Italian meat-based sauce often served with pasta, while ragout is a French stew made with meat, fish, or vegetables.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ragu 
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Ragout
      – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Ragu and Ragout
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ragu and Ragout
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Ragu and Ragout
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

What is Ragu

Ragù is a traditional Italian sauce made with tomatoes and ground or chopped meat. It’s typically prepared with onions, carrots, celery, ground beef or pork, a bit of white wine, and herbs like bay leaf and basil. The sauce is cooked slowly so the ingredients blend well and develop a balanced flavor.

To make ragù, the vegetables are first chopped and cooked in olive oil. Then the meat is added and browned. White wine is poured in the pan to deglaze, followed by tomato purée and a bay leaf. The sauce is then simmered for about two hours, with water added if needed. At the end, salt and fresh basil are added to finish the dish.

Ragù is commonly served with tagliatelle pasta, but it also works well with penne or other types of pasta. It is also used in lasagna, layered with pasta and béchamel sauce.

Fresh ragù can be kept in the refrigerator for 2–3 days in an airtight container. It can also be frozen, and later thawed and reheated when needed.

What is Ragout

Ragout is a type of stew that is usually served as a main dish. It comes from France. It’s a slow-cooked dish, made over low heat. This slow cooking helps bring out all the flavors.

Ragout can be made in many different ways. It might include meat, poultry, and fish, or it can be made vegetarian using just vegetables. The ingredients are often seasoned with herbs and spices. Moreover, the dish can be either lightly or richly flavored, depending on the recipe.

Similarities Between Ragu and Ragout

1. Both are slow-cooked dishes made over low heat, which helps to develop deep flavors.
2. They can include a mix of meat and vegetables as the main ingredients.
3. Both are often seasoned with herbs and spices.

Difference Between Ragu and Ragout

Definition

• Ragù is a sauce that is typically used to top pasta or fill dishes like lasagna. Ragout, on the other hand, is a stew that is served as a complete main dish on its own.

Origin

• Ragù is an Italian dish, while ragout comes from France.

Base Ingredients

• Ragù is usually made with meat and tomato sauce as its base. In contrast, ragout can include meat, poultry, fish, or just vegetables, and it may or may not contain tomatoes.

Serving Style

• Ragù is commonly served with pasta, such as tagliatelle or penne. Ragout is usually served on its own or alongside bread, rice, or potatoes.

Texture

• Ragù has a thick, meaty texture and is more like a sauce, whereas ragout is chunkier and more stew-like, with a richer broth or sauce.

FAQ: Ragu and Ragout

1. Are ragù and ragout the same thing?

No, ragù and ragout are not the same. Ragù is an Italian meat-based sauce usually served with pasta, while ragout is a French stew made with meat, fish, or vegetables and served as a main dish.

2. Why is it called ragout?

It’s called ragout because the word comes from the French word “ragoûter,” which means “to revive the taste” or “to stimulate the appetite.” Ragout is a flavorful stew meant to be rich and satisfying.

3. What is the difference between stew and ragout?

“Stew” is a general English term for any dish where meat or vegetables are slow-cooked in liquid, while “ragout” is a French-style stew that is usually more carefully seasoned and may include a wider variety of ingredients.

4. Why is it called a ragù?

It’s called ragù because the name comes from the French word “ragoût,” which means stew. Italians adopted the word and gave it their own twist—turning it into a meat-based sauce for pasta, cooked slowly to build rich flavor.

5. What is another name for ragout?

Another name for ragout is simply a stew. In English, “stew” is the more common term, while “ragout” is the French version of the same concept.

Reference:

1. “Ragout.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Ragù.” La Cucina Italiana.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ragoût aux lentilles” By Zantastik – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Tagliatelle al ragù (image modified)” By Ivan Vighetto – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia