This rigatoni with pork ragu is the ultimate fall comfort food. It's hearty and full of flavor with a little bit of apple for sweetness and a hint of fennel. So grab a fork and get cozy, because this dish will warm your soul.
1large apple(cored and chopped (skin can stay on) 1 cup)
4garlic cloves
2poundsground pork(2.5)
1teaspooncoarse salt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
3/4cupdry white wine
2tablespoonstomato paste
1teaspoonfennel seed
1teaspoondried basil
2bay leaves
1 28-ouncecan crushed tomatoes
Instructions
Heat a large skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil and sauté the celery, carrot, onion and apple until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the ground pork and let it brown, breaking up the meat and stirring as needed. Season with salt & pepper.
Deglaze the pan with white wine and add remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a strong simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally and remove the lid during the last few minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken up.