Porchetta Ragu: A Slow-Cooked Italian Meat Sauce
Porchetta ragu is a traditional Italian meat sauce made with slow-cooked pork, vegetables, and red wine. It is a versatile sauce that can be used to top pasta, polenta, or rice.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup red wine
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Brown pork on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
5. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Stir in red wine and let simmer until reduced by half.
7. Add chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
8. Return pork to the pot and stir to combine.
9. Cover and braise in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender.
10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
11. Serve over pasta, polenta, or rice.
Tips:
* For a richer flavor, use a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
* If you don't have time to braise the pork in the oven, you can cook it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
* Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations:
* Add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy flavor.
* Use leftover porchetta ragu to make a pizza or lasagna.
Porchetta ragu is a delicious and versatile meat sauce that is perfect for a hearty meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a new sauce to try, give porchetta ragu a try!