Instant Pot Pork Ragu with Orecchiette Pasta
Pork Ragu that tastes like it has been slow cooked for 24 hours in an hour or so thanks to the InstantPot served with hearty Orecchiette Pasta.
Pork Ragu that tastes like it has been slow cooked for 24 hours in an hour or so thanks to the InstantPot served with hearty Orecchiette Pasta.
- 1 bay leaf.
- 300 g pork shoulder.
- 2 tbsp cooking oil.
- 1 onion (approximately 75-100g finely diced.)
- 2 garlic cloves. (finely sliced.)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar.
- 175 ml tomato passata. (tomato sauce in the us i am info
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano.
- 2 tbsp capers.
- 175 g orecchiette pasta.
- salt and pepper. (to taste.)
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (238g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Set your InstantPot to Saute mode and when hot add half of the cooking oil along with the onions and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a high heat, then season the pork with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. You can do this in the InstantPot if you like but my preference is to use a frying pan.
- When the onions have been cooking for 5 minutes add the garlic and stir for a further minute.
- Now add in the red wine vinegar, it should pretty much evaporate straight away, then turn off saute mode.
- Add the pork.
- Then add in the tomato passata, oregano and bay leaf along with a really generous grind of black pepper.
- Close the lid and cook on manual mode at high pressure for 40 minutes, with a 10 minute natural pressure release.
- Putting the pasta on to cook with 2-3 minutes left in the InstantPot should be perfect timing to bring the dish together.
- When released, remove the pork from the InstantPot and flip over to saute mode and reduce the remaining liquid by half.
- Shred with two forks before returning back to the pan along with any juices, it would of course be rude to not check for seasoning again now.
- Add the capers and the cooked Orecchiette pasta and stir to combine.
My Unexpected Instant Pot Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a frantic race against the clock, a whirlwind of chopping, stirring, and praying the kids don't start a food fight before the meal even hits the table. So, when I stumbled upon this Instant Pot Pork Ragu recipe, I was understandably skeptical. Could something truly taste like it had simmered for hours, when in reality it was ready in a fraction of the time? The answer, my friends, is a resounding YES.
This recipe is a game-changer. Forget the hours spent tending to a slow cooker; this Instant Pot version delivers incredibly tender, flavorful pork ragu in under an hour. The rich, savory sauce clings perfectly to the hearty orecchiette pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly elegant. I served it to my family last Tuesday, and even my picky 10-year-old devoured it with gusto – a feat in itself!
The beauty of this dish isn't just its speed and deliciousness; it’s also incredibly versatile. I’ve experimented with adding different vegetables – mushrooms, bell peppers, even zucchini – and the results have always been fantastic. One evening, I used leftover roasted vegetables, transforming the leftovers into a completely new and exciting meal. The next time, I might try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. The Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, allowing me to focus on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself. I love the fact that I can brown the pork in a separate pan for extra flavor – a small detail that makes a big difference. This method ensures that the meat retains its beautiful golden-brown color and doesn't get overly stewed in the Instant Pot.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe represents something more to me: a small rebellion against the relentless pressure of the modern working woman's life. It's a declaration that you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without sacrificing your sanity or your precious time. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there is still time to create something beautiful and satisfying, both in the kitchen and in life.
I encourage you to try this recipe. Whether you're a seasoned Instant Pot pro or a complete novice like I once was, this dish is approachable and rewarding. It's the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, a delightful surprise for unexpected guests, or a comforting meal for a quiet evening at home. This recipe has become a regular in my household, and I have no doubt that it will quickly become a favorite of yours as well. The effortless elegance of the dish, the richness of the flavors, and the sheer speed of preparation have made this Instant Pot Pork Ragu my new go-to weeknight meal. It’s truly a culinary victory in a world where time is of the essence.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this Instant Pot Pork Ragu. You deserve a delicious and stress-free dinner, and this recipe is the perfect way to achieve just that. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, combined with a little bit of culinary magic from the Instant Pot. Trust me on this one; this recipe is a keeper.
