Mushroom Ragù

Mushroom Ragù

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    Ingredients

    For the Mushroom Ragù

    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 3 leeks, white and light-green parts, halved vertically, sliced
    • 2 pounds mixed mushrooms (such as button, cremini, oyster, shiitake, chanterelle), thickly sliced
    • Kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
    • 2 fresh bay leaves
    • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

    For the Polenta

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 fresh bay leaf
    • Kosher salt
    • 1½ cups coarse yellow polenta
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    • ¼ cup freshly grated Grana Padano, plus more for serving

    For the Greens

    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 5 garlic cloves, sliced
    • 2 bunches escarole (about 1½ pounds), leaves separated and trimmed
    • Kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon peperoncino flakes

    Instructions

    For the Mushroom Ragù

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
    2. When the oil is hot, add the leeks and mushrooms. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and the rosemary. Stir to combine.
    3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are lightly browned and wilted, 8–10 minutes.
    4. Add the bay leaves and broth. Cover and cook until the mushrooms are very tender, about 15 minutes more.
    5. Remove the bay leaves.

    For the Polenta

    1. Combine 6 cups water, the olive oil, bay leaf, and 2 teaspoons salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
    2. Whisking slowly, stream the polenta into the pot through the fingers of one hand. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
    3. Once all the polenta is added, adjust the heat so a few small bubbles pop to the surface.
    4. Continue to cook and stir, making sure to get the corners and bottom of the pan, until the polenta is thick and pulls away from the sides, 30–35 minutes.
    5. Discard the bay leaf and beat in the butter and cheese.

    To Serve

    1. Spoon a mound of polenta onto a plate.
    2. Top with the braised escarole, then spoon the mushroom ragù over it all.
    3. Finish with freshly grated Grana Padano.