Name: Sugo di Piccione: Squab, Dove or Pigeon Ragu
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 390 min
Yield: 8 people
Ingredients: 12 to 20 whole doves or pigeons, or 4 dark-meat grouse; Salt; A little olive oil; 2 quarts wild game or beef stock; 2 cups red wine; 1 6 ounce can tomato paste; 3 carrots, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 handful dried porcini mushrooms ((optional)); 12 black peppercorns, crushed; 12 juniper berries, crushed; 12 allspice berries, crushed; 1 star anise ((optional)); 6 whole cloves or 1/2 teaspoon ground; 3 bay leaves; 4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; black pepper to taste; sherry or red wine vinegar to taste; 1 pound pasta, homemade or dried; Cheese for grating