Penne Al Sugo Di Carne Recipes

SUGO DI CARNE (MEAT SAUCE)

Steps:

• In a large pot, preferably of terracotta or enameled cast iron, make a soffritto by gently sautéing the onion, carrot and celery in olive oil until the vegetables are very soft, taking care never to brown them. (It helps to add a pinch of salt, which draws out the vegetables' own liquids, as well as a spoonful of water from time to time. This both speeds up the softening process and helps avoid browning.)
• Add the ground pork (or beef) to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and mixing to combine it well with the soffritto. Season with salt and pepper, and let is simmer gently, stirring almost constantly, until the meat has lost its raw look. Then add a splash of red wine and continue simmering, until the wine has evaporated.
• Add the tomatoes, stir again. Then let it simmer for at least an hour, stirring only occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened and developed a deep flavor. (You can let it go longer if you like and it will only get better the longer it cooks.) If the sauce gets too thick before you think it's done, then just add a bit of water or broth as needed.

RIGATONI WITH MEAT SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the beef and garlic and cook, breaking the beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until the onion and beef are lightly browned, 9 to 10 minutes. Pour in the wine and cook until it is nearly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and zucchini; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened, 2 minutes.
• Stir in the rigatoni, salt, pepper, and 3 cups water; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the sauce is somewhat thickened, about 18 minutes. Add 1 cup water and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, 9 to 10 minutes more.
• Serve the rigatoni topped with the Romano and basil.

MEAT SAUCE (SUGO DI CARNE)

Steps:

• Put mushrooms in bowl and add slightly hot water to cover. Let stand 30 minutes.
• Heat oil and butter in skillet. Add onion, celery, garlic and carrot. Cook, stirring, until wilted.
• Add pork and veal. Cook, stirring and chopping down with the side of a heavy metal spoon to break up lumps, until meats lose raw look.
• Drain mushrooms and chop coarsely. Add mushrooms to meat mixture. Add wine, tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Bring to boil and cook uncovered 1 hour.
• Pour sauce into saucepan. Bring to boil and skim fat from surface. Add broth and continue cooking 1 hour.