Jamie Oliver’s Pappardelle With Beef Ragu

This wonderful recipe from Jamie Oliver is hearty and uncomplicated with a surprising pop of flavor thanks to the addition of rosemary and orange zest. Mr. Oliver prepares his in a pressure cooker, but if you don't have one, it can be cooked in a covered Dutch oven on the stove over low heat, or in a 275 degree oven, for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally.

INGREDIENTS
1 ¾ pounds boneless beef chuck roast, in 2-inch cubes
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary, plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped leaves for garnish
2 sprigs sage
1 small red onion, peeled and cut in chunks
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and thickly sliced
1 celery stalk, thickly sliced
2 cups Chianti
1 28-ounce can peeled whole cherry or plum tomatoes
1 pound pappardelle
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Season beef with salt and pepper to taste. Place an uncovered pressure cooker or oven-proof Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and add olive oil. When oil is hot, add beef. Stir until beef is well browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add rosemary and sage sprigs, onion, garlic, carrot and celery. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Chianti and continue to simmer until liquid has reduced by half, about 15 minutes. 

Add tomatoes and their juices, and if using pressure cooker, 1/2 cup water. Secure lid and pressure gauge of pressure cooker, and follow manufacturer's instructions to bring contents of pot to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. If using Dutch oven, simmer, covered, in a 275-degree oven, or on the stove over low heat, for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Place a large pot of lightly salted water over high heat to bring to a boil. Remove pressure cooker from heat, or Dutch oven from oven. After pressure has dropped in pressure cooker, follow manufacturer's instructions to remove lid. Using two forks, finely shred meat and vegetables. Discard herb stems. Loosely cover pan and return it to low heat to keep warm.

Add pappardelle to boiling water. As it cooks, scoop out 1/2 cup water and reserve. Cook pasta to taste, then drain well. Return pasta to pot, and add butter and 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano; mix gently until butter has melted. Add a little reserved cooking water to loosen.

To serve, lift pasta into each of six shallow bowls. Spoon beef ragù over top. Sprinkle each bowl with a pinch of orange zest and rosemary, and a spoonful of cheese.