Holiday Recipe: Beef & Pork Bolognese with Winter Squash

We've asked local chefs to submit their favorite recipes that are appropriate for the holiday table. Here's a recipe from Nick & Toni's Executive Joe Realmuto.

Beef & Pork Bolognese with Winter Squash

MAKES 4 CUPS

• 1  28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes (with juice)
• 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 cup butternut squash, med dice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1⁄4 b. ground beef chuck
• 1⁄2 lb. ground pork shoulder
• 1  4-oz. piece pancetta, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup dry red wine
• 2 tbsp. Tomato Paste
• 2 tbs Dry Oregano
• 1 tsp Dry Crushed Red Pepper

Procedure:

1. Put the tomatoes and their juice into a blender; purée until smooth and set aside.

2. Heat the oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and squash, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes more.

3. Add the beef and pork and cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the pancetta and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until its fat has rendered, about 10 minutes more. Increase the heat to medium, add the wine, and simmer, stirring constantly, until evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add reserved tomato purée, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is very thick, about 3 hours.

4. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

Toss with fresh pasta of your choice, or use in lasagne. Serve with grated parmigiano-reggiano.

-- Chef Joe Realmuto