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Rigatoni with fennel sausage sauce
Heat 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. Transfer 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. Stir 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. Add 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. Remove from the heat, stir through the olives and remaining fennel seeds and set aside until youโre ready to serve.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips โ not a chatbot.
How long does Rigatoni with fennel sausage sauce take?
1 hr 29 min all in โ 10 min prep, 1 hr 19 min cook. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk, Fish. Labels are informational โ check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget โ about $8โ16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Saucepan, Stockpot, Blender.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
How much sugar?
ยฝ tsp of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
onion โ shallot. Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have. garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) โ garlic powder or a pinch of onion. 1 clove โ ยผ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing. tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) โ passata or canned chopped tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season. pecorino โ parmigiano. Parmigiano is milder and less salty. Use a little more pepper.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Bring 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.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.