Porchetta ragu
Inspired by the Italian rolled pork dish, porchetta. This ragu is ideal when you have guests – leave it simmering whilst you entertain.
- Serves: 6-8
- Prep: 20mins
- Cook Time: 3hrs
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 800g pork shoulder, diced
- 3 pork sausages
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stick, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
- pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
- 200ml white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked and finely chopped
- ½ bunch of thyme
- 100ml chicken stock
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp double cream
- 1 lemon, zested
- ½ bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 500g rigatoni pasta
- grated parmesan, to serve
Method
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STEP 1
Heat half the oil in a large casserole over a medium-high heat, and fry the diced pork for 5 mins, stirring often until browned. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside. Squeeze the sausagemeat from the skins into the pan, and fry for 2-3 mins until browned. Scoop into the bowl with the diced pork.
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STEP 2
Reduce the heat to low and fry the onion, carrot and celery for 5 mins in the remaining oil. Add the garlic, fennel seeds and chilli flakes and fry for 1 min more. Return the meat to the pan along with the wine. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by about half. Add the bay, rosemary, thyme, stock, tomato purée and chopped tomatoes, and return to a simmer. Season. Cover and cook over a low heat for 2 hrs 30 mins, or until the pork is falling apart.
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STEP 3
Remove the lid, discard the bay and turn up the heat slightly. Simmer for 5-10 mins, or until slightly reduced, stirring often. Stir in the cream, lemon zest and parsley. Season to taste.
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STEP 4
Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Toss with the ragu, and serve sprinkled with parmesan.