WS Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1 1/4 lb ground beef
  • 1 1/4 lb ground pork
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 4 oz pancetta, cut into 1/2 inch dice
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 c tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes, passed through food mill
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Parmigiano Reggiano cheese rind
  • 1 lb pappardelle, cooked al dente
  • grated Parmigiano

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saute pan over medium high heat, warm 1 T of the olive oil. Add the ground beef and pork, season with salt/pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Add the pancetta to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

Reduce the heat to medium and warm the remaining 1 T olive oil. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly for one minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meats, pancetta, milk, tomatoes, bay leaves and cheese rind. Season with salt/pepper and bring to a simmer.

Cover partially, reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 1/1/2-2 hours. Remove and discard the bay leaves and cheese rind.

Toss the pasta with about 3 cups of the sauce (reserve the remaining sauce for another use). Sprinkle cheese on top. Serve immediately and pass additional cheese alongside.