Macherroni alla pastora

Calabria-Basilicata
Preparation - Easy
Serves 4

A specialty of Calabria. Pastore is shepherd in Italian, having plenty of fresh ricotta on hand for a quick and simple meal. Maccheroni, in the shape of spaghetti but with a hole in the center as in a tube and thicker.

1-cup fresh good-quality ricotta cheese
4 oz pork sausage or ground pork, crumbled (optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
1 lb maccheroni or spaghetti

Cook the pasta.
If you are using sausage, sauté until good through and browned.
If you are using ground pork season well with salt and pepper.
Mix the ricotta, broken up with a fork with some salt and pepper till very smooth. Use a whisk if necessary.
Using a ladle, remove a couple tablespoons of pasta water and mix well into ricotta and sausage mixture.
When pasta is done, drain.
Transfer to a warm bowl.
Add the ricotta mixture, Pecorino and toss well.
Test for seasoning adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve hot.