Ground Pork Ragù & Orecchiette Pasta

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:36:01 GMT

Step 1

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Wash and dry the peppers; cut off and discard the stems, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Thoroughly was your hands immediately after handling. Place the currants in a bowl; cover with 1/4 cup of hot water. Set aside to rehydrate at least 10 minutes.

Step 2

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 9 to 11 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the pepper pieces in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan.

Step 4

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the pork, chopped garlic, capers, and quatre épices; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the tomato paste and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly combined. Add 1/4 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and the rehydrated currants (including the liquid); season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and the pork is cooked through. Turn off the heat.

Step 5

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked pork and sauce, cooked peppers, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Stir in the mascarpone until combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the parmesan. Enjoy!

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