Saffron Pasta with Pork and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 ½ teaspoons saffron threads
• 1 cup freshly grated pecorino Sardo or pecorino Romano cheese
• ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley
• 1 medium onion
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree
• + 4 more ingredients
• • 3 ounces pancetta or bacon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 12 ounces gnocchi-shaped pasta, orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta), or medium pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground pork

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta; sauté until fat is rendered, about 3 minutes. Add onion and parsley and sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add ground pork and sauté until brown, breaking up with back of fork, about 8 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay ...

View full recipe at Epicurious