Wild Boar Ragù Recipe (Ragù di Cinghiale)
Category: Sauces and Gravy
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wild boar meat (cut into chunks) | 5 kg |
| Carrots | 3 |
| Celery | 4 stalks |
| White onions | 2 |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Red wine | 100 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30 ml |
| Tomato paste | 75 g |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Fresh sage | To taste |
| Oregano (marjoram) | To taste |
| Dark chocolate | 10 g |
| Juniper berries | To taste |
| Vegetable broth | 1 liter |
| Red wine (additional) | 600 ml |
| Carrot (additional) | 1 |
| Celery (additional) | 1 stalk |
| White onion (additional) | 1 |
| Whole black peppercorns | To taste |
| Bay leaves | 4 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by preparing the wild boar meat for marinating. Cut the wild boar into irregular chunks. Slice the carrots and celery into large pieces, and coarsely chop the onions and garlic. Add all the vegetables to a large bowl along with a few sprigs of rosemary and the bay leaves. Pour 100 ml of red wine over the ingredients and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cover the bowl and let the meat and vegetables marinate for a minimum of 12 hours and up to 24 hours. This process helps reduce the strong gamey flavor of the wild boar, making the ragù more delicate and flavorful. -
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
Once the marinating time is complete, remove the wild boar meat from the marinade and set it aside. In a large steel pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, whole juniper berries, and the remaining vegetables—carrots, celery, onions—and cook them gently for about 20 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. -
Add Tomato Paste and Wine:
When the vegetables are well softened and slightly caramelized, stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for a minute or two. This will deepen the flavor of the ragù. Next, pour in 600 ml of red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any caramelized bits. Let the wine cook off for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a rich, concentrated flavor. -
Cook the Wild Boar:
Add the marinated wild boar chunks to the pot and stir to combine. Let the meat brown for a few minutes on medium-high heat, allowing the edges to sear and develop a rich, deep flavor. This step is essential to building the base for the ragù. Once browned, add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. -
Slow Cook the Ragù:
Once everything is combined, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and allow the ragù to cook slowly for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the meat, infuse the flavors, and create a hearty, delicious sauce. During this time, feel free to check occasionally and stir the ragù, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. -
Final Touches:
After the ragù has simmered to perfection and the meat is tender and flavorful, remove it from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and herbs (such as thyme, sage, or oregano) to suit your taste. Stir in a small amount of dark chocolate (about 10 g), which will add a rich, velvety depth to the ragù. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your wild boar ragù over a bed of fresh pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a comforting and hearty meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This ragù can also be stored in an airtight container for several days, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
Tips for the Best Ragù di Cinghiale:
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender or mash the meat and vegetables with a potato masher.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a bit more red wine during cooking or increase the amount of dark chocolate.
- This ragù pairs wonderfully with rustic, thick pasta shapes like pappardelle or tagliatelle, as they can hold the hearty sauce.
This wild boar ragù recipe is a traditional and flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. The slow-cooked meat combined with aromatic herbs, red wine, and a hint of chocolate makes for an unforgettable, rustic dish that showcases the depth of Italian cuisine. Enjoy the complexity and richness of this dish as a centerpiece of your meal, and savor the flavors that come together with each slow-cooked bite.
