Bon Appetit/October 2003

Penne in Country Ragu
Servings Preparation Time Cooking Time Calories % from Fat Fat Sodium Carbohydrates Protein Cholesterol
6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A


INGREDIENTS:
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 ounces Italian sweet sausage, casings removed 2 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper 2 medium carrots, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped 2 cups finely chopped canned whole Italian-style plum tomatoes 1 cup (or more) low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup Chianti or other dry red wine 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese



1 Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add saussage, garlic, and crushed red pepper; saute until brown, breaking up with fork, about 6 minutes. Add carrots, onion, and celery; saute until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Mix in tomatoes. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup broth and wine; simmer uncovered until liquid is slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Add basil; cover and simmer until vegetables are very tender, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if liquid evaporates too quickly and stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Simmer uncovered until ragu thickens to desired consistency, stirring often, about 10 minutes longer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2 Cook pasta in large pot of fboiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot. Mix in ragu, 1/2 cup cheese, and 2 tablespoons oil. Add cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls to moisten, if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
3 Divide pasta among plates. Serve, passing 1/2 cup cheese separately.

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