terça-feira, 2 de dezembro de 2008

Sausage Fusilli

Fennel seeds, 2 heaped tsp
Red chillies, 2 dried and crumbled
Olive oil
Good quality sausage, 600 g
Dried oregano, 1 tbsp
White wine, a wineglass
1 lemon, juice and zest
Fusilli or penne, 500 g
Sea salt and freshly grounded pepper
Butter, a couple of knobs
Parmesan cheese, a handful plus extra for serving
Flat-leave parsley, a small bunch of leaves picked and chopped

  • Bash up the fennel seeds and chili in a mortar. Set aside.
  • Heat a splash of olive oil, in a frying pan (heavy bottom).
  • Squeeze the meat out of the sausage into the frying pan, breaking them up with the back of a spoon. Fry for a few minutes until the meat starts to color.
  • Add the fennel seeds and chillies.
  • Cook in medium heat for 10 minutes, until the meat starts to caramelize.
  • Stir in the oregano.
  • Add the wine and allow it to reduce by half.
  • Add the lemon zest and juice.
  • Turn the heat down to low while you cook the pasta.
  • Drain the pasta after cooked. Reserve part of the cooking water.
  • Stir the pasta into the meat.
  • Add the butter, Parmesan, parsley and a few spoons of the reserved water.
  • Taste and check for seasoning.
  • Serve with grated Parmesan on the top.

Wine suggestion: Italian Red