Recipe: Lamb and Fennel Ragu

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1kg lamb steaks
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 1 leek, trimmed, finely chopped
• 1 fennel bulb, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 800g fresh ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 625ml (2 1/2 cups) good-quality beef stock
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh continental parsley or oregano leaves
• 250g spelt or wholemeal lasagne sheets
• Finely grated parmesan or chilli pecorino, to serve
• Extra parsley leaves, to serve

METHOD:

• Heat half the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium- high heat. Season lamb steaks well. Cook for 1-2 minutes each side or until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Add remaining oil to pan. Add the celery, leek, fennel and carrot. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 7-10 minutes or until vegetables start to soften and caramelise.
• Add the tomato and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Return lamb to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and simmer for a further 40 minutes or until lamb is tender.
• Use tongs to transfer the lamb to a chopping board. Use 2 forks to shred the meat. Return lamb to the pan and simmer for a further 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Add the parsley or oregano and season.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain. Cut into strips. Return to pan.
• Add the lamb ragu to the pasta and toss to combine. Divide among serving bowls. Season. Sprinkle with parmesan or pecorino and the extra parsley leaves to serve.