Potato Gnocchi With Pork and Wild Mushroom Ragu

Queen Dana's Note:

Recipe by Bruce Aidells. Published Feb. 2010 Bon Appetit.

• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms (baby bella)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• coarse kosher salt
• 2 1/2 cups dry white wine, divided
• 1 lb country-style boneless pork ribs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 ounces prosciutto, 1/4-inch-thick slices chopped (or coppa)
• 6 ounces fresh mild Italian sausage, casings removed (about 2 links)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped
• 1 celery, finely chopped
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes (from one 28-ounce can) or 2 cups crushed tomatoes in puree (from one 28-ounce can)
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or more)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• potato gnocchi
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Place dried porcini mushrooms in medium bowl; pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over. Let stand until mushrooms are soft, about 45 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to cutting board and chop coarsely. Reserve soaking liquid.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crimini mushrooms and garlic; sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper and sauté until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup wine and simmer until crimini mushrooms are soft, about 4 minutes. Set aside (there may still be liquid in skillet).
3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork with coarse salt and pepper. Add pork to pot and sauté until browned in spots, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer pork to medium bowl. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot. Reduce heat to medium. Add coppa and stir 1 minute. Add sausages and cook until brown, breaking up into small pieces with back of spoon, about 3 minutes. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cover pot and cook vegetables until soft, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add remaining 2 cups wine; bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed. Add tomatoes, 1 cup broth, bay leaves, reserved pork, and porcini mushrooms. Pour in reserved porcini soaking liquid, leaving any sediment behind in bowl. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until pork is tender, adding more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, about 1 hour.
4. Stir crimini mushroom mixture in skillet into ragù. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cool. Cover; keep chilled. Rewarm before continuing.
5. Spoon off fat from surface of ragù; stir in basil. Add Potato Gnocchi; toss gently to coat. Simmer over medium heat until gnocchi are heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Divide gnocchi and ragù among bowls. Sprinkle with some of cheese and serve, passing remaining cheese alongside.