SICILIAN PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER
A favorite island vegetable combines with raisins and saffron to introduce a sweet element to a savory, salty mix. Cauliflower is a favorite vegetable in Sicily, though the variety used most often is the light green cauliflower that we can find in some farmers' markets in the United States. I found the recipe upon which this is based in Clifford A. Wright's first cookbook, "Cucina Paradiso: The Heavenly Food of Sicily." And it is heavenly. The raisins or currants and saffron introduce a sweet element into the savory and salty mix.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, pastas, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place the raisins or currants in a small bowl and cover with warm water. In another bowl combine the saffron with 3 tablespoons warm water. Let both sit for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the cauliflower and boil gently until the florets are tender but the middle resists when poked with a skewer or knife, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoons or tongs (or a pasta insert) remove the cauliflower from the water, transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Cover the pot and turn off the heat. You will cook the pasta in the cauliflower water. Cut the florets from the core of the cauliflower and cut them into small florets or crumble coarsely using a fork or your hands.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, until it smells fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute, and add the anchovies and tomatoes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Drain the raisins or currants and add, along with the saffron and its soaking liquid, cauliflower, pine nuts or almonds, and about 1/4 cup of the cooking water from the cauliflower. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover, turn the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm while you cook the pasta.
- Bring the cauliflower water back to a boil and cook the pasta al dente, following the timing instructions on the package. Check the sauce and if it seems dry add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and transfer to the pan with the sauce. Toss together and serve, sprinkled with pecorino and chopped basil leaves. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil over each serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 511, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 81 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1034 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams
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Sulemana Karim
[email protected]This recipe was a lifesaver! I needed a quick and easy meal that was also healthy, and this fit the bill perfectly. It was delicious and my kids loved it. I will definitely be making this again.
Malyka
[email protected]This dish was a bit too spicy for my taste. I would have preferred it to be a little bit milder. I think it could have used more seasoning or a different type of sauce.
Haris Jana
[email protected]This recipe was super easy to follow and the dish turned out great. I loved the combination of flavors and textures. It was a hit with my family. I will definitely be making this again.
Noorfatima noorfatima
[email protected]I thought this dish was just okay. The cauliflower was a bit bland and the sauce was a bit too heavy. I think it could have used more seasoning or a different type of sauce.
Mehrajul islam Liton
[email protected]This recipe was a lifesaver! I needed a quick and easy meal that was also healthy, and this fit the bill perfectly. It was delicious and my kids loved it. I will definitely be making this again.
Ik ou
[email protected]This dish was a bit too spicy for my taste. I would have preferred it to be a little bit milder.
khadam nohani
[email protected]I was a bit skeptical about this dish, but I was pleasantly surprised. The cauliflower was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. I would definitely make this again.
Mlrasd Mlrasd Mlrasd Mlrasd
[email protected]This recipe was super easy to follow and the dish turned out great. I loved the combination of flavors and textures. It was a hit with my family.
Umar Nahqsahbandi Umar Nahqsahbandi my life
[email protected]I thought this dish was just okay. The cauliflower was a bit bland and the sauce was a bit too heavy.
Agnes Vinkhumbo
[email protected]This dish was amazing! The cauliflower was perfectly cooked and the sauce was creamy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.
Conique Davis
[email protected]The cauliflower in this dish was a bit too al dente for my taste. I would have preferred it to be cooked a little bit more.
Antoinette Abeyta
[email protected]This recipe was a lifesaver! I needed a quick and easy meal that was also healthy, and this fit the bill perfectly. It was delicious and my kids loved it.
rakib rana
[email protected]This dish was a bit too heavy for my taste. I think it would have been better with a lighter sauce.
Noah Cartaya
[email protected]I loved the combination of flavors in this dish. The cauliflower, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto all worked together perfectly.
Abby Evans
[email protected]The cauliflower was a great addition to this pasta dish. It added a nice crunch and flavor. The sauce was also very good.
Meena Lama
[email protected]This dish was a bit too bland for my taste. I think it could have used more seasoning or a different type of sauce.
nishusingh
[email protected]This recipe was easy to follow and the dish turned out great. I added some extra garlic and red pepper flakes to give it a little more kick. My husband and I both loved it.
Chastity Crawford
[email protected]I'm not a huge cauliflower fan, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good this dish was. The cauliflower was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious.
Mark Swisher
[email protected]This dish was a hit with my family! The cauliflower added a nice texture and flavor to the pasta, and the sauce was creamy and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.