In the heart of Rome's Testaccio market lies a humble kitchen, run by chef Leonardo Cioni, serving up his own brand of Tuscan comfort food under the name Sicché Roba Toscana. The aroma wafting from this box stall is tantalizing – onions, beans, cabbage, and slow-cooked meat all blend together in perfect harmony.
Among the daily specials, one dish stands out: capocollo ragu, a hearty sauce made with pork neck, simmered in a rich broth infused with bay leaves, sage, and rosemary. The combination is nothing short of magic, as the marbled fat content contributes to the ragu's tender texture. Chef Leo's secret? Mincing the capocollo for added texture – a move that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, what makes this recipe truly special? For starters, the use of capocollo – not just any piece of pork neck will do. The fatty marbling ensures that each bite is succulent and full-bodied. To take it to the next level, Leo incorporates three potent herbs: bay, sage, and rosemary. The result is a sauce that's both complex and balanced.
To make this dish at home, start by browning 400g of well-marbled pork mince in olive oil. Then, add diced onion, bay leaves, sage, minced rosemary, and a pinch of salt – cooking until the onion is translucent. Next, pour in dry white wine and let it bubble for a minute or two before adding crushed plum tomatoes, tomato concentrate, and warm water.
The key to this recipe lies in its slow-cooked nature. Simmer the ragu over medium-low heat for two hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed. By the end of cooking, the sauce should be rich and dense, yet still juicy with an oily halo.
To serve, cook 500g of potato gnocchi (or fresh pappardelle) in boiling salted water. Toss the cooked pasta in a warm bowl with grated parmesan or grana padano, then add half the ragu and toss once more. Divide the dish between four plates or shallow bowls, topping each with more ragu and cheese to taste.
In short, this capocollo ragu with herbs is a game-changer – a testament to the power of slow-cooked, comforting food that will leave you craving for more.
Among the daily specials, one dish stands out: capocollo ragu, a hearty sauce made with pork neck, simmered in a rich broth infused with bay leaves, sage, and rosemary. The combination is nothing short of magic, as the marbled fat content contributes to the ragu's tender texture. Chef Leo's secret? Mincing the capocollo for added texture – a move that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, what makes this recipe truly special? For starters, the use of capocollo – not just any piece of pork neck will do. The fatty marbling ensures that each bite is succulent and full-bodied. To take it to the next level, Leo incorporates three potent herbs: bay, sage, and rosemary. The result is a sauce that's both complex and balanced.
To make this dish at home, start by browning 400g of well-marbled pork mince in olive oil. Then, add diced onion, bay leaves, sage, minced rosemary, and a pinch of salt – cooking until the onion is translucent. Next, pour in dry white wine and let it bubble for a minute or two before adding crushed plum tomatoes, tomato concentrate, and warm water.
The key to this recipe lies in its slow-cooked nature. Simmer the ragu over medium-low heat for two hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed. By the end of cooking, the sauce should be rich and dense, yet still juicy with an oily halo.
To serve, cook 500g of potato gnocchi (or fresh pappardelle) in boiling salted water. Toss the cooked pasta in a warm bowl with grated parmesan or grana padano, then add half the ragu and toss once more. Divide the dish between four plates or shallow bowls, topping each with more ragu and cheese to taste.
In short, this capocollo ragu with herbs is a game-changer – a testament to the power of slow-cooked, comforting food that will leave you craving for more.