Ingredients

  • sea salt
  • 1 pound spaghetti not thin or angel hair
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil cold pressed, if possible
  • 2 cloves garlic sliced thin
  • 1 inch anchovy fillets packed oil
  • 2 inches sardines cans, packed oil
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup nuts untoasted pignoli
  • fronds handful of fresh fennel, anise, coarsely chopped, use only the delicate gree
  • 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Method

  • Boil 4-6 quarts of water with enough sea salt to emulate 'sea water'. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
  • Heat a thick, flat saucepan over medium to high heat. Add olive oil. When the oil ripples, add the garlic and anchovy fillets with oil.
  • When anchovies dissolve, add the sardines with oil. Saute for a minute or so. Add the tomatoes and stock. When heated through, add the raisins, pignoli nuts, and fennel.
  • When the pasta is done, toss it in the saucepan to cook a few minutes. Toss finished pasta with the breadcrumbs instead of cheese.
  • Serve in individual pasta bowls. Add a drizzle of olive oil over each serving just before reaching the table.