Sweet and Hot Spaghetti Toss with Fennel Gremolata - 4/18/04

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Sweet and Hot Spaghetti Toss with Fennel Gremolata

1 lb Spaghetti or other long pasta shape
5 links (20 ounce total) hot Italian Sausage
3 fennel bulbs
2 lemons
1 tbsp, minced garlic
1 Tbs Sweet and hot mustard
4 oz freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup slivered blanched almonds, lightly toasted

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain.

2. While pasta is cooking, in heavy 3 quart saute pan over medium heat, brown sausage whole according to package directions, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel to drain, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Return sausage to pan to brown on both sides, turning frequently, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel. Drain all but 1 tbsp. Drippings from pan and remove from heat.

3. To prepare fennel, trim stalks to within 1 inch of bulb. Finely chop feathery leaves to yield 1 cup, set aside and discard stalks. Cut off and discard bulb base. Cut bulb lengthwise into halves, then crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices (about 3 cups).

4. To prepare fennel gramolata, in a small bowl, grate peel from both lemons, stir in chopped fennel leaves and garlic, set aside. Juice lemons in a separate bowl, stir in mustard and set aside.

5. Return pan to medium heat. Saute sliced fennel bulb until crisp/tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice mixture and sausage.

6. In a large serving bowl, combine pasta, fennel, sausage, and Parmesan; toss to mix well. Spoon fennel gremolata and almonds atop. Toss to incorporate just before serving.

Servings: 8