1.   Using a potato masher, crush the whole tomatoes into very small chunks. Do not puree, as that will make a liquid and adds too much air, which changes both the color of the sauce and texture of the sauce. Set aside

2.   Into a food processor add the chopped fennel bulb and the onion. Pulse a few times and scrape the sides and bottom between pulsing. Remove and set aside

3.   Add the sausage meat and pulse to loosen up the meat – do not over process

4.   In a sauce pan or your slow cooker, add the oil and heat until lightly sizzling. Add the fennel onion mixture, cook until translucent. Push vegetables to outer edge of the pan

5.   Add the loosened sausage meat, and cook until the meat is browned thoroughly

6.   Make a clearing in the center of the meat and add the tomato paste, and sprinkle the fennel seeds, oregano, salt, pepper and either the white wine or the vinegar of your choice. Let cook about 1 minute. Stir to combine with the other ingredients and cook for 1- 2 minutes

7.   SLOW COOKER method: If you used a separate pan and wish to continue with a slow cooker, transfer everything to your slow cooker and then add the crushed tomatoes and the water. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set your timer for 6 to 8 hours. When done, taste for salt and adjust to your taste. If your ragout seems too thin, add the glucomannan mixture and cook on high for 5 minutes as you stir. NOTE- if your slow cooker has the capacity to sauté, steps 2-6 could be done directly in the slow cooker

8.   STOVE TOP method: Use a deep sided skillet or Dutch oven for the entire cooking process, then after step 6 add the crushed tomatoes and water, stir and cover with a lid. Over medium heat, bring the ragout mixture to a light simmer and then reduce the heat setting to medium low. Cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Cooking on lower heat allows the flavors to develop fully. When done, taste for salt and adjust to your taste. If your ragout seems too thin, add the glucomannan mixture and cook on high for 5 minutes as you stir

9.   Serve over or beside some form of noodles, garnish with grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!