Pork (Or Beef) Ragú

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. 2

   Heat a large oven-proof pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shortribs and brown them well on both sides. Remove them to a plate.

3. 3

   Add the onions to the pot and saute until softened, about 10 minutes. Add carrots and garlic. Saute until very fragrant. Add wine to deglaze any stuck-on browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Reduce wine by about half. Add the tomatoes and their juices.

4. 4

   Cover pot and transfer it to the oven. Allow the meat and vegetables to braise for 3 to 5 hours so that the meat becomes beautifully tender and becomes shredable. After about 3 hours test it by removing a piece and seeing if you can pull it into shreds with a fork.

5. 5

   When done, remove pot from oven and lift shortribs out onto a cutting board. Let them cool until you can comfortably shred the meat apart with your fingers. Try to resist the temptation to stick them in the fridge to cool. There is a chance that the meat will firm up enough that it will be difficult to shred. Also try to resist the temptation to eat more of than you save. Pulling it apart by hand lets you remove any pieces of fat and discard them.

6. 6

   Return shredded meat to the pot and reheat everything. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

7. 7

   Cook pasta in boiling water with salt added. When done, drain and either spoon into individual bowls or pour it into one large one. Top with the ragu and prepare for a heavenly experience.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.