Pici with Cinta Senese Meat Sauce
This dish combines thick, hand-rolled pasta with a rich, savory pork ragu sauce from Cinta Senese Pig. It is a traditional Tuscan dish, perfect for a substantial dinner that warms the heart and the palate.
Equipment
- Knife
- Skillet
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 3 ⅓ cups of fresh pici pasta or thick spaghetti
- 1 ⅛ pounds of pork loin Cinta Senese, if available
- 1 ⅛ pounds of Cinta Senese sausage or any Italian sausage
- 3 ½ ounces of red onion
- 3 ounces of carrots
- 3 ounces of celery
- 4 bay leaves
- 4 juniper berries
- ⅔ cup of red wine
- 3 cups of tomato puree
- ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté them in a large pot with olive oil, bay leaves, and crushed juniper berries.3 ½ ounces of red onion, 3 ounces of carrots, 3 ounces of celery, 4 bay leaves, 4 juniper berries, ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Cut and Cook Pork: Slice the pork loin into ½ cm thick slices, then into strips and cubes of the same thickness. Add the pork cubes to the pot, increase heat, and brown the meat.1 ⅛ pounds of pork loin
- Add Sausage: Remove the casing from the sausage, crumble it, and add it to the pot. Cook until the released liquid evaporates.1 ⅛ pounds of Cinta Senese sausage
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour red wine over the meat and let the alcohol evaporate. Then add the tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours or until the sauce thickens.⅔ cup of red wine, Salt, Pepper, 3 cups of tomato puree
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pici in salted water until al dente. Drain and mix them directly into the pot with the ragu sauce.3 ⅓ cups of fresh pici pasta
- Serve: Serve the Pici al Ragu di Cinta Senese hot and enjoy the blend of flavors.
Notes
- If Cinta Senese pork is not available, you can substitute it with any high-quality pork loin for the sliced pork and any Italian sausage for the Cinta Senese sausage. These substitutes will still provide a rich and savory flavor to the ragu sauce.
- If fresh Pici pasta is not available, you can use thick spaghetti as an alternative. It will mimic the texture and heartiness of Pici, ensuring a similar taste experience.
- Store any leftover sauce in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it.
- Cinta Senese is a unique Italian pig breed, known for its dark coat with a distinctive white belt. Rediscovered by dedicated farmers, it's now a protected Tuscan delicacy.