Ceci Ragu

Experience the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired Ceci Ragu, a hearty, plant-based dish that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. This rich and flavorful stew combines tender chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery, seasoned with fragrant thyme, oregano, and a smoky hint of paprika. Simmered to perfection, this ragu is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or atop creamy polenta for a satisfying meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vegetarian recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet cozy enough for a weekend treat. Optional Parmesan adds a touch of indulgence, while fresh parsley brightens each bite. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or simply looking for a hearty, healthy dinner idea, Ceci Ragu is sure to become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable stock or water
• 2 15-ounce cans canned chickpeas (ceci), drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 optional grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Stir in the chickpeas, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the ragu simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

If the ragu appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley.

Step 9

Serve the Ceci Ragu hot as a main dish with crusty bread or spoon it over cooked pasta or polenta. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1617.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	832.0

Total Fat 47.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 4mg	0%
Sodium 3671.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.0g	0%
Total Sugars 41.9g
Protein 19.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 428.8mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 3187.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 41.6%