Jamie Oliver’s Pappardelle With Beef Ragu

This wonderful recipe from Jamie Oliver is hearty and uncomplicated with a surprising pop of flavour thanks to the addition of rosemary and orange zest. Mr. Oliver prepares his in a pressure cooker, but if you don't have one, it can be cooked in a covered Dutch oven on the stove over low heat, or in a 140 degree oven, for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally.

 

Ingredients

800g boneless beef chuck steak, cut in large cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary, plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped leaves for garnish
2 sprigs sage
1 small red onion, peeled and cut in chunks
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and thickly sliced
1 celery stalk, thickly sliced
2 cups Chianti
2 400g cans peeled whole cherry or plum tomatoes
500g pappardelle
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 

Preparation

1. Season beef with salt and pepper to taste. Place an oven-proof Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and add olive oil. When oil is hot, add beef. Stir until beef is well browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add rosemary and sage sprigs, onion, garlic, carrot and celery. Reduce heat to medium-low and saute until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Chianti and continue to simmer until liquid has reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and their juices. Simmer, covered, in a 140-degree oven, or on the stove over low heat, for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
3. Place a large pot of lightly salted water over high heat to bring to a boil. Remove Dutch oven from oven. Using two forks, finely shred meat and vegetables. Discard herb stems. Loosely cover pan and return it to low heat to keep warm.
4. Add pappardelle to boiling water. As it cooks, scoop out 1/2 cup water and reserve. Cook pasta to taste, then drain well. Return pasta to pot, and add butter and 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano; mix gently until butter has melted. Add a little reserved cooking water to loosen.
5. To serve, lift pasta into each of six shallow bowls. Spoon beef ragu over top. Sprinkle each bowl with a pinch of orange zest and rosemary, and a spoonful of cheese.