Feast your senses on an unforgettable culinary journey with Sicilian-style cauliflower, an enticing vegetarian dish that harmoniously blends flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. Indulge in the delightful union of roasted cauliflower florets, tossed in a medley of aromatic spices, herbs, and extra-virgin olive oil, unveiling a symphony of savory and smoky notes. This delightful vegetable medley is meticulously paired with whole wheat pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. As you relish each bite, the crunch of the cauliflower, the tender texture of the pasta, and the burst of flavors will leave you craving more. This tantalizing dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering a nutritious and delectable experience. This article features a collection of carefully curated recipes, each offering a unique twist on this Sicilian classic. Explore variations that incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, capers, olives, and zesty lemon for a burst of Mediterranean sunshine. Discover the secrets of creating a flavorful cauliflower sauce that perfectly complements the pasta. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and inspiring recipe ideas, this comprehensive guide will empower you to recreate this Sicilian masterpiece in your own kitchen, ensuring a memorable and satisfying meal.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SICILIAN CAULIFLOWER PASTA
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, trim the thick stems off the cauliflower and coarsely grate the florets on the large holes of a box grater (it's fine if some small florets remain whole). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, raisins, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender and slightly browned, about 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pasta, parsley, dill, lemon juice, cheese and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Add more cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve with more grated cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292 calorie, Fat 6.5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 3 milligrams, Sodium 143 milligrams, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 6 grams
CAULIFLOWER SAUCE WITH WHOLE-WHEAT PENNE
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta and cook to al dente. Drain and reserve 2 ladles of pasta water.
- While water is coming up to a boil and pasta cooks, make sauce. Heat a deep skillet over medium heat with extra-virgin olive oil. Add garlic and cook 3 minutes, then remove. Add onions and cook 5 minutes then add cauliflower, chicken stock and the rosemary. Cover the pan and cook 15 minutes. Uncover the sauce, add 1 to 2 ladles of pasta water and mash the cauliflower with the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher. Add the pasta and cheese to the cauliflower and toss to combine. Season the dish with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.
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
Tips:
- Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower has a better flavor and texture than frozen cauliflower.
- Roast the cauliflower before adding it to the pasta: Roasting the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Use a good quality whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta has a higher fiber content and a more nutty flavor than white pasta.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant to eat.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and cook for a few minutes: This will allow the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or oregano, add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Sicilian-style cauliflower with whole wheat pasta is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this Sicilian-style cauliflower with whole wheat pasta a try.
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