Italian Recipes

Hearty Italian Cipollata with Pork Ribs and Caramelized Onions

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Cipollata: A Hearty Italian One-Pot Dish

Cipollata is a traditional Italian one-pot dish featuring tender pork ribs, savory sausage, and rich caramelized onions. The combination of these ingredients, along with a flavorful broth made from aromatic herbs, creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Served with toasted bread on the side, Cipollata is perfect for a family meal or a special gathering. The following recipe serves four and is packed with flavor that will transport you straight to Italy!


Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Water 5 liters
Pork ribs (costine di maiale) 500g
Carrot 1
Celery 1
Black peppercorns 10
Rosemary 1 sprig
Garlic 1 clove
Fine salt to taste
White onions (cipolle bianche) 800g
Pancetta (Italian bacon) 70g
Sausage 50g
Olive oil 30g
Bread (for toasting) 8 slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth:
    Begin by washing and peeling the carrot and celery. Cut them into large pieces. In a large, high-sided pot, add the 5 liters of water along with the pork ribs, rosemary, and black peppercorns. Rinse the ribs under cold running water to remove any impurities.

  2. Simmer the Broth:
    Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  3. Cook the Sausage and Onions:
    In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces, and sautΓ© for about a minute. Once the sausage begins to brown, add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

  4. Combine the Meat and Broth:
    After the pork ribs have simmered, remove two ladles of the broth from the pot. Remove the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and adding the tender meat to the pan with the onions and sausage. Stir to combine.

  5. Simmer Together:
    Add the reserved broth to the meat and onion mixture. Stir, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes over moderate heat, allowing the flavors to deepen and the meat to fully absorb the essence of the broth.

  6. Prepare the Toasted Bread:
    While the cipollata simmers, toast the bread slices until golden brown. You can use a grill, toaster, or pan for this step, depending on your preference.

  7. Serve:
    Once the cipollata is ready, serve it hot in a large serving bowl. Accompany with the toasted bread slices on the side. The bread can be dipped into the rich broth for extra flavor and texture.


Tips for Success:

  • For Extra Flavor: Add a dash of red wine to the broth for a deeper, more complex taste.
  • Substitute with Chicken or Beef: If you prefer, you can swap the pork ribs for other cuts of meat, such as chicken or beef, though the pork provides a wonderful richness.
  • Slow Cooking Option: For a more tender result, you can cook this dish on low heat for a few hours, allowing all the flavors to infuse the meat thoroughly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fat 22g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 850mg

Cipollata is more than just a mealβ€”it’s a celebration of Italian tradition and home-cooked comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth it brings to your table!

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