Corzetti Pasta with Veal Ragù

• Recipe by Michela Larson

Corzetti are coin-shaped pasta dating back to the days of the Genovese Republic, when they were embossed with the family crest and served at festive meals.

Ingredients

1. 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
2. 3 cups hot water
3. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4. 1 sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5. 2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice
6. 1 celery rib, cut into 1/2-inch dice
7. Two 3/4-pound veal shanks (about 11/2 inches thick), meat cut into 2-inch pieces and bones reserved
8. Salt and freshly ground pepper
9. All-purpose flour, for dusting
10. 1 cup dry red wine
11. One 14-ounce can peeled Italian tomatoes, crushed by hand
12. 1 marjoram sprig, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped leaves
13. 1 pound corzetti or pappardelle
14. Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

Directions

1. In a large measuring cup, soak the porcini in the hot water until softened, 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the mushrooms and squeeze the liquid back into the cup. Chop the mushrooms.
2. Meanwhile, in a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook over moderate heat, stirring until softened, 6 minutes; spoon onto a plate.
3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the casserole. Season the veal with salt and pepper and dust with flour. Add the meat and bones to the casserole and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until browned, 10 minutes. Add the wine and cook, scraping up any bits, until nearly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
4. Return the vegetables to the casserole. Add the tomatoes, marjoram sprig and porcini. Slowly pour in 2 cups of the porcini liquid, stopping when you reach the grit. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over very low heat until the meat is very tender, 2 hours. Scoop the marrow from the bones and stir it into the ragù. Discard the bones and marjoram sprig and stir in the chopped marjoram.
5. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Add the pasta to the ragù and toss gently. Serve in deep bowls, passing the cheese on the side.