Rigatoni with Brisket and Porcini Ragù

Serves six.

To learn more, read:
Brisket: The Real Deal
by Joyce Goldstein
from Fine Cooking
Issue 98
Last Edit Date: 3/6/2013 4:48:02 PM

Leftover braised brisket gives this ragù long-simmered flavor. Though this recipe calls for dried pasta, you can also use any shape of fresh pasta. Once you’ve drained it, just toss it with a few tablespoons of butter to prevent it from sticking together.

more about:

1 oz. dried porcini mushrooms (1 cup)
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
4 oz. pancetta, chopped (1 cup)
1 large celery stalk, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
Kosher salt
3 large cloves garlic, minced
4 cups coarsely chopped leftover braised brisket (about 1 lb.), plus 2 cups leftover brisket juices
2 cups dry red wine; more as needed
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. dried rigatoni
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

Soak the porcini in 1 cup hot water for 30 minutes. Drain, straining and reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the porcini and set aside.

Heat the oil in an 11- to 12-inch straight-sided sauté pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta, celery, carrot, onion, and 1 tsp. salt; cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the brisket and its juices, wine, thyme, and the porcini and their soaking liquid. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the sauce is very thick, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss with most of the meat sauce. Top with the remaining sauce and pass the Parmigiano at the table.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 700; Fat (g): 22; Fat Calories (kcal): 190; Saturated Fat (g): 5; Protein (g): 39; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 11; Carbohydrates (g): 68; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3.5; Sodium (mg): 1040; Cholesterol (mg): 55; Fiber (g): 6;