What You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of wild boar meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Wild Boar Meat
Start by trimming any excess fat from the wild boar meat. Then, cut the meat into small bite-sized pieces. Season the meat with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Browning the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned wild boar meat to the pot and brown it on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavors and adds a nice caramelized crust to the meat.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, usually around 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Simmering the Ragu
Next, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Slow Cooking the Ragu
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the ragu simmer for at least 2 hours, but the longer you cook it, the more tender and flavorful the meat will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Adjusting the Seasoning
After the ragu has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, oregano, or thyme if needed.
Step 7: Serving the Wild Boar Ragu
Your wild boar ragu is now ready to be served! The best way to enjoy this delicious dish is by tossing it with your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle. Top it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve it hot.
Making wild boar ragu may sound intimidating, but by following these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone at the dinner table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy with this hearty and flavorful recipe!