2 tbsp olive oil 1 red pepper chopped (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 4 cloves garlic, minced kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp ground fennel or 1 tsp fennel seeds (optional – see note below) 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1 lb ground hot or sweet