Italianby TheMealDBRigatoni with fennel sausage sauceServes1Keep screen onSaveShare Cook my versionIngredientsServings−1+2½ tbsp olive oil6 cut into 1.5cm-thick slices Italian fennel sausages1 large peeled and chopped onion1 trimmed and roughly chopped; reserve any fronds to garnish fennel bulb½ tsp smoky paprika1 clove, peeled and sliced garlic2 tsp lightly toasted and then gently crushed fennel seeds100ml red wine400g tinned chopped tomatoes½ tsp caster sugar50g cut in half lengthways pitted black olives500g rigatoni30g roughly crumbled into 0.5cm pieces pecorino1 rinsed and patted dry anchovy fillet1 clove, peeled and crushed garlic60ml olive oil50g torn basil leavesStepsStep-by-step0 of 8 done1Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large saute pan for which you have a lid. Add the sausage pieces and fry on a medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until golden-brown all over.2Transfer the sausages to a plate, then add the onion and fennel to the hot pan and fry for 15 minutes, stirring once in a while, until soft and caramelised; if the pan goes a bit dry, add a teaspoon or so of extra oil.3Stir in the paprika, garlic and half the fennel seeds, fry for two minutes more, then pour on the wine and boil for 30 seconds, to reduce by half.4Add the tomatoes, sugar, 100ml water, the seared sausage and half a teaspoon of salt, cover and simmer for 30 minutes; remove the lid after 10 minutes, and cook until the sauce is thick and rich.5Remove from the heat, stir through the olives and remaining fennel seeds and set aside until you’re ready to serve.6Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook for 12-14 minutes (or according to the instructions on the packet), until al dente. Meanwhile, reheat the sauce. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, stir in a tablespoon of oil, then divide between the bowls.7Put all the pesto ingredients except the basil in the small bowl of a food processor. Add a tablespoon of water and blitz to a rough paste. Add the basil, then blitz until just combined (the pesto has a much better texture if the basil is not overblended).8Spoon over the ragù and top with a spoonful of pesto. Finish with a sprinkling of chopped fennel fronds, if you have any, and serve at once.Source: TheMealDB
