WILD BOAR RAGù

Wild Boar Ragù image

In 2011, Jeff Gordinier wrote about Gradisca, in the West Village, where the owner Massimo Galeano wanted to serve the dishes of his Bolognese childhood. So he brought in his mother, Caterina Schenardi. This recipe is adapted from her and Daniele Boldrini, who grew up in Bologna. Ms. Schenardi is especially particular about the flour and egg in her tagliatelle, but here you can just use a store-bought version to go alongside, or use a noodle of your preference.

Provided by Jeff Gordinier

Categories dinner, one pot, pastas, main course

Time 3h30m

Yield 4 first-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 pound wild boar shoulder or leg, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
1 rosemary sprig, torn in half
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups Chianti or other red wine, or as needed
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup canned tomatoes, with their liquid
2 cups vegetable stock or water
Tagliatelle or other pasta, for serving

Steps:

The night before making the ragù place the meat in a bowl with the rosemary, peppercorns, garlic and enough wine to cover. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Discard the rosemary and garlic. Drain the meat in a strainer set over a bowl, reserving the wine. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the oil until shimmering, and add the carrot, celery and onion. Sauté until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the meat and cook, stirring frequently, until all the liquid released by the meat has evaporated and the meat is browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the reserved wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is dry, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Add 1 cup water, reduce heat to very low, and cook, partly covered, at a low simmer for 1 hour.
Add vegetable stock and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to break apart, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Remove from heat and, using a whisk or spoon, break the meat into very fine shreds. Serve, if desired, over tagliatelle or other pasta.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 354, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 105 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams