Ragout facts for kids

A ragout is a tasty, thick stew often served as the main part of a meal. It's made with meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables. These ingredients are cooked slowly in a rich, flavorful sauce. A common sauce base for a ragout is called a roux, which helps make it thick and smooth.

Ragoût aux lentilles (Ragout with lentils)

A French ragoût known as Gibbelot

Plated beef ragoût, but not typical: sauce is too thin

Where the Word Comes From

The word "ragout" comes from the French word ragoût. This French word comes from ragoûter, which means "to bring back the taste" or "to make something taste good again." It suggests that a ragout is so delicious it makes you want to eat more!

You might also hear of a similar word, ragù, in Italian. An Italian ragù is usually a sauce, like Ragù Napoletano, that is served with pasta.

How to Make a Ragout

Making a ragout involves cooking ingredients slowly over low heat. This long, gentle cooking helps all the flavors mix together. It also makes the meat very tender.

Ragouts can be made in many different ways. Some have meat, while others are made only with vegetables. You can add a wide variety of vegetables to a ragout. Chefs also use different spices and seasonings to give each ragout its own special taste.