Buttermilk Dan Dan Linguine

Method

1. Start by prepping your dried pasta, olive oil, garlic so the cooking goes quickly.
2. Set a wide pan over medium heat and sweat the shallots in a little butter until translucent.
3. Add the dan dan and let it buttermilk, undisturbed, so it takes on real color before you stir.
4. Fold in the star anise and season generously; give everything a minute to come together.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened and glossy.
6. Taste and adjust, then finish with a knob of butter right before serving.
7. Serve warm, ideally with something to soak up the sauce.