Created by dienia b on February 26, 2024
Step 1: Soak raisins in saffron water for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a sauté pan over moderate heat.
Step 3: Add one clove minced garlic but do not brown.
Step 4: Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add pine nuts be careful they burn.
Step 6: Remove the crumbs from the pan and toss with the Parmesan, salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
Step 8: Add the pasta and cook until al dente, do not drain.
Step 9: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Step 10: Add anchovies and stir to dissolve.
Step 11: Add the onions, remaining garlic, and fennel seed.
Step 12: Saute until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
Step 13: Add the tomato paste.
Step 14: Add about half of the sardines and lightly break them up.
Step 15: Add the raisins and saffron along with their water; season with salt and pepper.
Step 16: Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes.
Step 17: Spoon the cooked pasta directly into pan with a pasta spoon, reserving the pasta water.
Step 18: Stir pasta well to coat with the sauce.
Step 19: Continue to add some of the reserved pasta cooking water if the sauce is too dry.
Step 20: Gently stir in the remaining sardines with the oil.
Step 21: Cook briefly just enough to heat the added sardines.
Step 22: Serve pasta topped with toasted breadcrumb mixture.