SAUSAGE AND PEPPER PASTA RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Chop the broccoli florets off the stalk.
  2. Cut the woody end off the stalk, halve the stalk lengthways and put into a large pan of boiling salted water with the sausages and whole chilli(es).
  3. Pop the lid on, boil for 5 minutes, then remove, leaving the water on the lowest heat.
  4. Meanwhile, chop the broccoli florets into nice bite-sized chunks and put aside for later.
  5. Once cool enough to handle, finely slice the sausages, broccoli stalk and chilli and place in a large frying pan on a medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil, the fennel seeds and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
  6. Stir and fry while you peel and finely slice the garlic and onions.
  7. Once the sausage is lightly golden, stir in the garlic, followed a minute later by the onions, then pick in the oregano leaves. Cook for 15 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add the vinegar and cook completely away, then pour in the tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Half-fill the tin with water, swirl around and pour into the pan.
  9. Simmer for 15 more minutes, or until thickened, then taste and season to perfection.
  10. Meanwhile, bring the pan of water back up to boil, and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, adding the broccoli florets for the last 4 minutes.
  11. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a mugful of cooking water. Toss through the sauce, loosening with a little reserved water, if needed.
  12. Finely grate in most of the Parmesan and toss together, then serve with the rest of the Parmesan grated over the top.

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6.
  2. Peel and finely slice the garlic. Coarsely grate the Cheddar. Tear the stale bread into small chunks or blitz in the food processor.
  3. Tip the breadcrumbs into a bowl with one of the sliced garlic cloves, a good pinch of the oregano, the grated cheese and a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkling of black pepper. Drizzle with a little oil and toss to mix it all together.
  4. Pop the sausages out of their skins and break each one into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball shape and place in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle over a little oil and roll to coat. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
  5. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the remaining sliced garlic and oregano, and the chilli flakes. Stir until the garlic is coloured, then tip in the tomatoes.
  6. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Cook the rigatoni according to the packet instructions, taking it off the heat 2 minutes early, so it’s al dente. Drain in a colander and tip into a large baking dish.
  8. Add the sausage balls, pour over the sauce and toss well. Sprinkle over the cheesy crumb mix and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling.