Angel Hair Pasta with Fennel and Saffron

 
     
    Serves : 6 Persons Dairy Free  
         
 
  Ingredients  
     
  • 2 med bulbs fennel with fronds • 1 lb dried angel hair pasta • 2 tbl olive oil • 2 sm red onions, chopped (1 1/2 cups) • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds • 1/2 tsp Baby Brand Saffron threads • 3 tbl currants or raisins plumped in warm water and drained • 2 tbl pine nuts  
     
  Preparation  
     
 
  • Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, rinse and trim fennel, discarding stems but reserving fronds and bulbs. Set aside half the fronds.
  • Chop remaining fronds; set aside. Add fennel bulbs to boiling water and cook 10 minutes.
  • Using slotted spoon, remove fennel bulbs. Dice bulbs and set aside.
  • Return water to a boil and add pasta; stir to prevent sticking.
  • Cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
  • While pasta is cooking, in large skillet, Heat 1 tablespoon oil over low heat, Add onions, fennel seeds and chopped fronds and cook, stirring, until onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • In a cup, combine Baby Brand Saffron and 1 1/2 tablespoons warm water; stir to blend and add mixture to skillet.
  • Stir in diced fennel bulbs and cook, stirring, until fennel is very tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Add currants and pine nuts.
  • If mixture seems dry, add spoonfuls of reserved pasta water to moisten.
  • Add cooked pasta and remaining fronds to mixture.
  • Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  • Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, season with salt to taste and serve.