Pork Ragú

  • 6

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground pork shoulder
  • 1/2 pound pancetta, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to drizzle
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, cut into slivers
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 heads fennel, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine, like Sangiovese
  • 1 (28-ounce) can peeled whole San Marzano tomatoes and their juices
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • Ravioli or rigatoni, cooked to al dente
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1. Season the meats all over with salt and pepper.

2. In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, garlic, celery, fennel, carrot, thyme and 2 large pinches of salt. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes more. Add the ground meat and brown over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Deglaze the pan with red wine and cook at a lively simmer to reduce the wine, about 5 minutes. Crush the tomatoes with your hands and add them and the bay leaves. Simmer for 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

3. To serve, toss the ragu, parsley and oregano with al dente pasta. Divide among warm pasta bowls. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and serve immediately with Parmesan cheese.