Orecchiette with Cauliflower "Il Melograno" is a delectable and hearty dish that combines the unique flavors of orecchiette pasta, roasted cauliflower, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. This vegetarian-friendly meal is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
The orecchiette pasta, shaped like small ears, provides a delightful contrast to the tender and slightly charred cauliflower florets. The addition of garlic, chili flakes, and a hint of anchovy paste creates a savory and umami-rich sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables perfectly. The dish is further elevated with the incorporation of toasted breadcrumbs, which add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
For those seeking a vegan alternative, the recipe provides a simple and flavorful vegan pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast. This pesto adds a vibrant green hue and a herbaceous aroma to the dish, while still delivering a satisfying and savory experience.
For those who enjoy a touch of heat, the recipe also includes a spicy 'nduja sauce made with spicy spreadable salami, tomatoes, and chili peppers. This sauce adds a fiery kick to the dish and elevates it to a new level of flavor complexity.
Whether you prefer the classic version with anchovy paste, the vegan pesto variation, or the spicy 'nduja sauce, Orecchiette with Cauliflower "Il Melograno" promises a delicious and memorable culinary journey.
ORECCHIETTE WITH CAULIFLOWER
You'll love this tasty pasta dish from Carol McElheney of Elk Grove, California. This recipe calls for cauliflower, anchovies, and red-pepper flakes, a trio of ingredients often combined in classic Italian cooking.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 5 minutes less than package instructions for al dente; add cauliflower. Cook until pasta is al dente and cauliflower is tender, 5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid. Drain pasta mixture; set aside.
- In same pot, heat oil over medium; add garlic, red-pepper flakes, and anchovies. Cook, breaking up anchovies with a spoon, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add pasta mixture, cheese, and 1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, adding more cooking liquid if necessary to thin sauce. Add parsley; toss. Serve, topped with additional cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 608 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 25 g
ORECCHIETTE WITH CAULIFLOWER
Make and share this Orecchiette With Cauliflower recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Phil Franco
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the cauliflower in a large bowl of cold water and soak for about 1/2 hour.
- Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil.
- Add salt to taste.
- Cut cauliflower into florets, discarding stems.
- Place the florets into boiling water with garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Drain cauliflower, reserving cooking water.
- Transfer to a bowl until needed.
- Discard garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large casserole over medium heat.
- Remove from heat, add anchovy filets, and mash with a fork.
- Bring cauliflower water back to a boil.
- Add pasta to boiling water, cook until 'al dente', about 10-12 minutes), and drain.
- Transfer pasta to casserole with anchovies, stir over medium heat.
- Add cauliflower, salt, and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes, parsley, and serve. Serves 4.
- That's it!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 486.8, Fat 19.9, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 2.8, Sodium 558.9, Carbohydrate 64.5, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 4.8, Protein 13.8
ORECCHIETTE WITH CARAMELIZED CAULIFLOWER, SHALLOTS, AND HERBED BREADCRUMBS
This recipe for orecchiette with caramelized cauliflower, shallots, and herbed breadcrumbs comes from "Scott Conant's New Italian Cooking."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dinner Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Fill a large pot with water, and bring to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt, and return to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until just tender. Immediately transfer cauliflower to ice-water bath; let cool about 1 minute before draining.
- Combine the breadcrumbs, mint, parsley, red pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until crumbly and well combined; set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt and return to a boil.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer cauliflower to a plate. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Add drained pasta to skillet, along with cauliflower, and some of the pasta cooking liquid, and toss ingredients together for a few minutes; add more water to the pan as necessary to keep pasta moist.
- Divide pasta evenly among 4 bowls. Sprinkle each with a tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.
ORECCHIETTE WITH CAULIFLOWER, ANCHOVIES, AND FRIED CROUTONS
Provided by Donatella Arpaia
Categories Cheese Pasta Fry Roast Sauté High Fiber Dinner Parmesan Cauliflower Zucchini Anchovy Bon Appétit Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil in large bowl to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spread in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until cauliflower florets are tender and beginning to brown in spots, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Cool to room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
- Cook pasta in large pot of boiling generously salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta, reserving 1 1/3 cups pasta cooking liquid. Set pasta and cooking liquid aside separately.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large deep nonstick skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Add bread cubes and sauté until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to small bowl and cool. Reserve skillet or pot.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to same skillet or pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and garlic and sauté until zucchini is golden brown and crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add cauliflower and anchovies and sauté until heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add drained pasta, reserved 1 1/3 cups pasta cooking liquid, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/3 cup parsley, 1/3 cup Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano cheese and toss to coat. Season pasta to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide pasta among 6 bowls; sprinkle with fried croutons, remaining parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese and serve.
Tips:
- Utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients: This enhances the flavors and nutritional value of the dishes.
- Make use of herbs and spices: Experiment with different combinations to create unique flavor profiles.
- Don't shy away from vegetables: Incorporate a variety of vegetables to add color, texture, and nutrients to your meals.
- Practice proper cooking techniques: Follow the recipes carefully and use the right techniques to ensure the dishes turn out perfectly.
- Be creative and have fun: Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so feel free to experiment and add your own personal touches to the recipes.
Conclusion:
The recipes featured in this article offer a delightful journey through the world of Italian cuisine, showcasing the versatility and richness of Italian cooking. From the classic flavors of Orecchiette with Cauliflower and Broccoli Rabe to the innovative fusion of Mezze Penne with Smoked Salmon and Pistachios, these recipes provide a diverse range of options to satisfy various tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these recipes offer an excellent opportunity to explore the wonders of Italian gastronomy. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a delicious voyage through the heart of Italy, one recipe at a time!
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