Lamb Ragout

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon over low heat for about 10 minutes, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels, crumble and reserve. Turn up the heat. Working in batches, so as not to crowd the pan, brown the lamb about 5 minutes per side. As each batch is done, set it aside in a bowl.

2. Step 2

   Add the onion, carrots and celery to pan. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Return the lamb to the pan with the bacon. Add the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons sage, the thyme, bay leaves and chicken broth. Simmer very gently, stirring occasionally, for 1½ hours. Season with salt and lots of pepper.

3. Step 3

   Combine the parsley, orange rind, lemon rind and 2 tablespoons sage. Stir 3 tablespoons of this mixture into the ragout. Let sit for 5 minutes. Pass the remaining parsley mixture at the table. Serve with polenta, pasta or rice.