Sausage Ragu

For this rich Ragu, half the work is done before you start, thanks to the pork and fennel sausages, preferably bought from a good Italian butcher. Already cured and seasoned, they inject instant flavour into the braise. Serve this with any pasta — gnocchi or pappardelle are my favourites. This recipe can also be the base of a spectacular lasagne, as I discovered one desperate Sunday: add two extra tins of tomatoes and layer the ragu with pasta sheets and bechamel sauce.
Remove skins from sausages and crumble meat. Heat a heavy-based pot over medium heat, then add sausage meat and pancetta. Fry until golden brown, stirring every few minutes. Don’t worry if you get some sticky, crunchy bits — it’s all flavour.
Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery, bay leaves, dried chilli and fennel seeds. Stir well. The vegetables will sweat a little and ease the crusty, caramelised pieces from the bottom of the pot.
Cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until vegetables are soft and slightly caramelised. Add tomato paste and red wine and bring to a simmer. Add stock, tomatoes, rosemary and oregano, and continue to simmer for about 45 minutes on low heat, until the sauce has a thick, intense consistency. Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
When cooked, season Ragu carefully (the sausages will already be salted), then add olive oil and cooked pasta. Bring pot to the table to serve.

A rich Italian Ragu.