Rustic Long-Simmered Pork Ragu

In the Italian countryside, a simple, long-simmered meat sauce is a common and comforting supper. This rustic recipe calls for a can of tomatoes cooked low and slow with a piece of pork and an onion. While the dish may seem casual, the choice of pork is crucial. After experimenting with various cuts, we discovered that country-style pork ribs yielded the most tender and flavorful results. These ribs, with their higher fat content, became meltingly tender during the long cooking process, infusing the tomato sauce with rich, meaty flavors. Browning the ribs beforehand added a deep, caramelized fond to the pan, further enhancing the sauce. Country-style ribs are not only affordable but also easy to find in smaller quantities, making them the perfect choice for this simple and comforting dish. To ensure the sauce remains perfectly balanced and not overly greasy, it’s important to trim all external fat from the ribs. Explore the heartwarming flavors of this long-simmered pork rib sauce, and enjoy the authentic taste of Italian countryside cuisine.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ pounds country-style pork ribs, trimmed
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• ½ cup dry red wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes, drained with juice reserved, tomatoes chopped fine
• 1 pound rigatoni
• Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. Pat the pork ribs dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it’s just smoking. Brown the ribs well on all sides, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the ribs to a plate.
3. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of fat from the skillet, then add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, and simmer until the wine has nearly evaporated, approximately 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the reserved tomato juice. Nestle the browned ribs, along with any accumulated juice, into the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer the sauce gently, turning the ribs occasionally, until the meat is very tender and falling off the bones, approximately 1½ hours.
7. Transfer the ribs to a plate and let them cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-size pieces, discarding any fat and bones. Return the shredded meat to the sauce, bring it to a simmer, and cook until heated through and slightly thickened about 5 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rigatoni and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it is al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
9. Add the sauce to the pot with the pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the reserved cooking water as needed to adjust the consistency.
10. Serve the dish with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.

YIELD: The recipe yields servings for multiple people.

TIPS:

• Trim all external fat from the country-style pork ribs to prevent the sauce from becoming overly greasy.
• Adjust the seasoning, including salt and pepper, according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the dish with a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 510
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 610mg

In conclusion, this recipe for long-simmered pork rib sauce showcases the rustic flavors of Italian countryside cuisine. The combination of country-style pork ribs, tomatoes, and aromatics creates a rich and comforting sauce that is perfect for pasta dishes. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become tender and infuse the sauce with its meaty flavors. By browning the ribs first, we add depth and caramelization to the dish. Paired with rigatoni and a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, this sauce is a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this long-simmered pork rib sauce delivers an authentic taste of the Italian countryside. Enjoy the tender and flavorful meat paired with al dente pasta, and savor the rustic charm of this traditional Italian recipe.