Pasta with Fennel and Sardines

High in Omega 3, very good for you!

1. 1

   Remove all fronds from the fennel. Slice the stalks into chunks. Measure and put aside 1/2 cup of the
   sliced stalks. Fill large saucepan and add remaining stalks. Add salt bring to the boil and heat for 10
   minutes.
   Place the currants in a small heatproof bowl. Pour in enough boiling water to cover. Let stand 15
   minutes. Drain.
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in frying pan over medium heat. Carefully slip each sardine fillet into
   the hot oil. Fry just until the underside is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from pan.
   Return the pan to a low heat, add the onion and reserved sliced fennel stalks. Saute until wilted,
   about 5 minutes. Add the anchovy fillets and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute.
   Add the crushed garlic, currants and tomatoes with their liquid. Heat to simmering, season to taste
   with salt and pepper and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the sardine
   fillets.
   Remove the boiled sliced fennel from the pot of water. Bring water to the boil. Stir in the pasta and
   simmer, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes.
   Spoon 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water into the skillet of sauce. Drain the pasta. Pour in the
   sauce and heat over low heat until the pasta begins to absorb the sauce, about 1 minute. Serve
   immediately topped with pine nuts.