Italy's Game Meat Ragùs: A Taste Of The Wild
Italy, a land synonymous with culinary excellence, boasts a rich and diverse gastronomic heritage that extends far beyond pasta and pizza and bolognese. Delving deeper into its culinary traditions reveals a fascinating and enduring love affair with wild game meats, a practice deeply woven into the fabric of its history and culture.
For centuries, hunting has been a vital part of Italian life, not just as a sport, but as a crucial means of sustenance. From the rugged peaks of the Alps to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dense forests of Umbria, wild game has provided a bounty of flavourful meats, inspiring generations of cooks to create dishes that are both hearty and refined. This tradition is more than just about food; it's a connection to the land, a respect for nature, and a celebration of the changing seasons.
Traditional, Authentic Ragùs from Italy
The historical roots of game meat consumption in Italy run deep. Ancient Romans, for instance, were known to enjoy a variety of game, and throughout the medieval period and into the Renaissance, feasting on wild boar, venison, and various fowl was a mark of prosperity and a central element of banquets and celebrations. Each region developed its own unique methods of preparing game, often incorporating local herbs, wines, and slow-cooking techniques to tenderise and enhance the rich, earthy flavours.
What makes Italian game meat dishes so special is the clever balance of robust flavours with delicate nuances. Ingredients like juniper berries, rosemary, bay leaves, and red wine are frequently used to marinate and slow-cook the meats, resulting in incredibly tender and aromatic creations. The cooking process often involves hours of simmering, allowing the flavours to meld and deepen, transforming what might be considered a rustic ingredient into a dish of sophisticated elegance.
Convenient Italian Food - Ready In Minutes
At Carluccio's, we believe in celebrating these authentic Italian traditions, bringing the true taste of Italy to your table. Our range of game meat ragùs is a testament to this passion, crafted with the finest ingredients and time-honoured recipes.

Carluccio's Ragù Di Cinghiale Our Ragù Di Cinghiale, a Tuscan specialty, is a rich and intensely flavourful wild boar ragù. The wild boar is slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables, red wine, and herbs, creating a robust and savoury sauce that is perfect with tagliatelle, penne or pappardelle.

Carluccio's Ragù di Cervo For those who appreciate the lean and delicate flavour of venison, our Ragù di Cervo offers a sublime experience. This venison ragù is simmered to perfection, resulting in a tender and subtly gamey sauce that pairs beautifully with wide, flat pasta or even polenta.
Carluccio's Ragù alla Cacciatora Meaning "hunter's style," our Ragù alla Cacciatora is a classic and comforting ragù often featuring a mix of game meats or poultry, slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and sometimes mushrooms or olives. It's a taste of the Italian countryside, hearty and full of character.
These ragùs are more than just sauces; they are a journey into the heart of Italian culinary heritage, a taste of the wild brought directly to your home. Experience the tradition, the flavour, and the passion that defines Italy's love affair with game meats. Buon appetito!