Saffron Orecchiette With Two Porks Recipes

BAKED ORECCHIETTE WITH PORK SUGO

Steps:

• Season the pork with salt and pepper.
• In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
• Add the pork in a single layer and cook over moderately high heat until the pieces are golden brown all over, about 12 minutes.
• Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic and cook until softened and browned in spots, about 8 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and their juices and bring to a simmer.
• Add the red wine and thyme sprigs and cook over high heat until the wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
• Add the stock and bring to a boil.
• Cover and simmer over low heat until the pork is very tender, about 2 hours.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork and vegetables to a food processor; discard the thyme sprigs.
• Pulse just until the pork is shredded.
• Scrape the shredded pork and vegetables back into the casserole.
• Stir in the chopped parsley, oregano and crushed red pepper and season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orecchiette until it is still firm to the bite, about 5 minutes; drain well.
• Add the orecchiette to the casserole and toss with the pork sauce.
• Scrape the pasta into a very large baking dish and sprinkle all over with the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Bake the casserole in the upper third of the oven for about 35 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling.
• Let the baked pasta stand for 10 minutes before serving.
• *The pork sugo can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat before tossing with the orecchiette.
• **Serve with a Green salad and Rich, black-fruited Amarone Classico: 2004 Masi Costasera.