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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Penne with Pork Ragu

Sometimes I crave comforting meals.  I don't think that will shock anyone that is reading this, but it had to be said.  Comforting to me is pasta.  Pasta reminds me so much of growing up and I hope I never truly grow out of that!

This ragu is filling and definitely comforting.  It's a very simple dish to put together, but you'll have everyone believing you spent the entire day cooking :)

Penne with Pork Ragu
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
13oz whole grain penne pasta
2 red sweet peppers, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
1/2 sweet onion, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, quartered
1 lbs ground pork
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons Italian herb mix
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon tomato paste (you may need just a tad bit more)
1-2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
1 Tablespoon red wine (optional)

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  In a food processor, add the peppers, onion, and garlic.  Pulse until finely minced.

In a large non-stick skillet, over medium heat, add the ground pork; breaking up with a wooden spoon.  Allow to cook for about 4 minutes.  Add the minced vegetables.  Cook another 3 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.  Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, Italian herb mix, and red pepper flakes.  Lower heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.  Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and parsley; stirring to combine.  Add the rosemary sprig if using, cover and let simmer another 30 minutes.  Stir in the red wine is using. Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Add more tomato paste is sauce is too watery.  Remove rosemary sprig before serving.  Serve over pasta and enjoy!

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12 comments:

Big Dude said...

Looks outstanding Jenn and I think the pork is a nice change from the typical beef sauce. I'm with you and need comfort food regularly.

Anna's kitchen table said...

Definitely comfort food Jenn! :-D

StephenC said...

A good basic sauce and some solid-sized pasta. It makes a boy happy.

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

I feel all warm & comfy just reading this! It sounds delicious Jenn!! Never in a million years would I have thought to use ground pork to make a pasta sauce, but now, after reading it, I'm like DUH why didn't I think of that, too??? Sounds and looks amazing! We're supposed to get a blizzard tomorrow, this might be on our menu :)

Pam said...

I am loving this one. The sauce sounds hearty and flavorful - a perfect meal for these cold and rainy Portland days.

Chris said...

That'll warm you up on a cold day! (And then I'd want to go straight to sleep, all comfortable and cozy, ha ha)

Mary Bergfeld said...

It sounds wonderful,Jenn. If it tastes half as good as it looks you've given us another winner. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

debbie said...

Looks delicious Jenn. I have no problem eating pasta every day....

Mary said...

This sounds wonderful. I love a great ragu sauce and yours look perfect!

Yenta Mary said...

Oh, that looks so absolutely amazing! Rich, vibrant, flavorful ... I can practically devour it from here ... :)

Cooking Gallery said...

This looks and sounds beautiful! I love ragu sauce for pasta, my most favourite kind actually :).

Candace said...

I've never tried a pasta dish with ground pork. Love that!