Delicious Water Buffalo Ragù Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra
• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and finely diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 4 large garlic cloves, smashed and minced
• 4 slices lean bacon, diced
• 1½ lbs (750 g) Reverent Acres ground water buffalo, divided
• ½ cup (125 mL) dry white wine
• ½ cup (125 mL) water buffalo milk
• ½ cup (125 mL) low-sodium beef broth
• 28 oz (796 mL) can diced tomatoes, including juice
• 3 Tbsp (45 mL) tomato paste
• 2-in (5 cm) piece Parmesan rind, optional*
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh oregano
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup or sugar
• ½ tsp (2 mL) sea salt, plus extra
• ½ tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper
• Minced fresh basil, garnish
• Shaved Parmesan, optional
• Crushed dried red chilies, optional
• 1 egg, whisked
• ¼ cup (60 mL) grated Mt Lehman Tomme cheese
• ½ cup (125 mL) plain unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh basil
• 1 tsp (5 mL) Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp (2 mL) sea salt
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) freshly ground black pepper