Spicy Merguez Pasta Dish

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, carefully crumble in the sausagemeat. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, allowing it to brown and release its rich, flavorful oils. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once golden, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft, translucent, and fragrant. This step builds a savory base for your pasta dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the onions are cooking, fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta—either trofie or fusilli. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-12 minutes. This ensures the pasta retains a pleasant bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander, but remember to reserve about a mugful of the starchy cooking water; this liquid is crucial for creating a silky sauce later.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return to the pan with the softened onions. Add 3 finely minced garlic cloves, 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes (adjust to your heat preference), and 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices infuse the oil. Next, reintroduce the cooked sausagemeat to the pan, stirring well to combine.

Now, add the drained pasta to the pan along with the reserved pasta water. Gradually sprinkle in 20 grams of finely grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together vigorously until the mixture emulsifies, creating a luscious, glossy sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.

Final Touches:
For the finishing touch, scatter 10 grams of roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley and the zest of 1 lemon over the pasta. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon to add brightness and depth to the dish. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced. Give it one final toss to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Serve your deliciously spicy merguez pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy this comforting and vibrant dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal!