Instructions: Heat the olive oil and estratto or Salsa di Concentrato di Pomodoro or tomato paste in a large saucepan, slowly adding about 1 cup of hot water.

Stir constantly, until the estratto has melted and the mixture is smooth.

(If substituting Salsa di Concentrato di Pomodoro or tomato paste for the estratto, only 1/2 cup of water is necessary.)

Add the sausage, celery, onion, and sugar. Add enough water to just cover the ingredients and combine well. Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer for 1 hour.

Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, or just tender, stirring often.

Reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water. Drain the pasta and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the sauce and toss well, adding a little pasta water, if a thinner sauce is desired. Pass the caciocavallo or pecorino.

Serves 6 as a first course or 4
as a main course

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