Spuntature al Sugo

Spuntature al Sugo Recipe - Delicious Pork Back Ribs from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Spuntature al Sugo is a classic Italian dish featuring tender ribs cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Spuntature al Sugo has its origins in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, known for its rich culinary traditions. This dish has been enjoyed for generations as a delicious and satisfying meal that brings people together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) pork back ribs
1 tbsp olive oil
0.5 tsp crushed red chili pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 can tomatoes (19 oz (539 g))
1 tbsp red wine vinegar

How to prepare

Cut the strip of ribs into 2 rib portions.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chili pepper for 30 seconds.
Add the ribs.
Cook, turning, until the ribs are browned on all sides.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Stir in the broth, tomatoes (breaking them up with a fork), and vinegar.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or until the meat is tender and no longer pink close to the bone.
The sauce will be reduced by about half.
If it becomes drier during cooking, stir in a bit of water to maintain a sauce-like consistency.
Skim any visible fat from the surface of the sauce.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add extra crushed red chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Try adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, use high-quality ribs with plenty of meat on them.

- Browning the ribs before simmering them in the sauce helps to enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce to keep it light and flavorful.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spuntature al Sugo with a side of creamy polenta or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Braising the ribs in the tomato sauce helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ribs, you can use pork shoulder or beef short ribs as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Spuntature al Sugo with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a bold red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for a classic Italian dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Spuntature al Sugo is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spuntature al Sugo is a delicious and satisfying Italian dish featuring tender ribs cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a nutritious and comforting meal option for any occasion. Serve with creamy polenta or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day that beckons you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years, a treasure trove of culinary delights just waiting to be discovered.

As I sifted through the stack of faded index cards and tattered magazine clippings, my eyes fell upon a worn piece of paper that seemed to glow with an ethereal light. It was a recipe for Spuntature al Sugo, a traditional Italian dish that I had never heard of before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out each one with precision and care. The recipe called for pork ribs, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a medley of herbs and spices that promised to infuse the dish with rich, savory flavors. I could almost taste the delicious aroma that would soon fill my kitchen.

As I chopped and sautéed and simmered, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes that had come before this one. Each one a piece of my culinary journey, a testament to the joy and satisfaction that cooking had brought me over the years. I remembered the first time I had made my grandmother's famous lasagna, the way her eyes had sparkled with pride as I took my first bite. I remembered the time I had learned to bake bread from a kind old neighbor, the way the dough had felt alive in my hands as it rose and expanded.

And now, as the aroma of the Spuntature al Sugo filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for the recipes that had been passed down through generations, for the people who had shared their culinary wisdom with me, for the simple pleasure of creating something delicious with my own two hands.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I felt a sense of contentment that only a good home-cooked meal can bring. The flavors of the dish danced on my tongue, each bite a reminder of the love and care that had gone into its creation. And as I savored each mouthful, I knew that I had found not just a recipe, but a connection to the past, a link to the traditions and stories that had shaped me into the cook I was today.

And so, as I finished my meal and cleared away the dishes, I made a promise to myself to continue exploring new recipes, to continue learning and growing as a cook. For the joy of cooking is not just in the act itself, but in the stories and memories that each dish carries with it. And I, for one, am grateful for every recipe that has found its way into my kitchen.