Pork Ragu Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or cozy night in, pork ragu is an excellent choice. This Italian-inspired dish is made with tender, slow-cooked pork in a rich tomato sauce, served over pasta or polenta. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make your own pork ragu at home.

### Ingredients

– 2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pork**: Start by seasoning the pork shoulder chunks with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the browned pork from the pot and set aside.

2. **Sauté Vegetables**: In the same pot, add more oil if needed and throw in the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they start to soften and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. **Deglaze with Wine**: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Allow wine to reduce slightly before proceeding.

4. **Cooking Tomato Sauce**: Stir in whole tomatoes along with their juices and break them up using your spoon. Add tomato paste, thyme, and oregano.

5. **Slow Cook**: Return the browned pork to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring everything to a simmer then reduce heat to low cover partially leaving some space for steam to escape Cook slowly stirring occasionally until pork is very tender which typically takes about 2 hours but can vary depending on your stove settings Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper according to taste Feel free also add water if sauce becomes too thick during cooking process

6 **Serve**: Once ready shred or chop cooked meat into smaller pieces if desired Serve over cooked pasta polenta or even mashed potatoes Garnish fresh basil leaves grated Parmesan cheese if using Enjoy your homemade hearty delicious meal!

### Tips

For an even more flavorful ragu consider marinating pork overnight with herbs spices before cooking Also substituting part of wine broth will give different depth flavor Lastly this recipe freezes well so you can enjoy later date simply thaw reheat when needed

Whether serving it atop creamy polenta traditional spaghetti comforting mashed potatoes this versatile ragu sure satisfy cravings With its rich layers flavor succulent pieces meat sure be hit among friends family alike Enjoy crafting this classic comfort food at home!