Ingredients
1/2 c. olive oil
1 c. fresh bread crumbs
1/2 c. grated Parmesan
1 fennel bulb
4 cloves garlic
1 c. canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree
2 oz. cans boneless and skinless sardines
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
1 lb. spaghetti
Preparation
Step 1In a large frying pan, heat 1/4 cup of the oil over moderate heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the crumbs from the pan and toss with the Parmesan. Wipe out the pan.Step 2In the same pan, heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil over moderately high heat. Add the fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer until thick, about 10 minutes. Add the sardines, parsley, salt and pepper. Break up the sardines with a fork. Remove from the heat.Step 3In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti until just done, about 12 minutes. Drain. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce and half of the bread crumbs. Top with the remaining crumbs.Step 4Variation: If you’re fortunate enough to find fresh sardines, substitute one pound of them, filleted, for the canned sardines. Add them to the pan along with the garlic and sauté for two to three minutes before adding the tomatoes.Step 5Wine Recommendation: Mastroberardino is the acknowledged master winemaker of southern Italy. His Lacrimarosa, a uniquely earthy, tart and delicately flavored rosé, seems to have been made with a dish such as this in mind.
