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Watchman's Supper

A meaty ragù sauce with pappardelle noodles.
Course: Main Course

Ingredients

  • 1 lb stewing beef, cut into medium pieces
  • 1 lb bone-in pork ribs, trimmed
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup dry red wine
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 8 cups San Marzano tomotes, puréed
  • 3 basil leaves, fresh
  • 1 tbsp oregano, fresh (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 lb pappardelle noodles, cooked al dente

Instructions

  • Warm the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
  • Brown the beef on all sides until deeply seared. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the pork ribs and sear until well browned. Remove and set aside with the beef.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
  • Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release the fond. Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
  • Add the puréed tomatoes and warm water. Stir in basil and oregano.*
  • Cover slightly askew and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the sauce to develop.
  • Return the beef and ribs to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
  • Simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce is rich and thick. Add additional warm water if needed.
  • Serve over pappardelle and finish with grated cheese and torn herbs.

Notes

The ribs can be served whole... or quietly claimed before the plates reach the table.