Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati

Recipe courtesy Mario Batali

Show: Molto MarioEpisode: Siracusa Trattoria

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (6)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(6)

Cook Time:
30 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
8 servings

Times:

Prep: 45 min
Inactive Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total:: 1 hr 30 min

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Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 medium-sized head cauliflower, cut in large florets
1 teaspoon saffron
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 anchovy fillets, salted variety, rinsed and filleted
1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 1/4 pounds ziti
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano
1 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Bring 6-quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Place the cauliflower florets into the boiling water. Cook until the cauliflower is slightly resistant to a fork, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain, reserving the cooking water. Set aside. Pour 1/4 cup of the cauliflower cooking water into a small bowl. Add the saffron and let it dissolve. Set aside.

In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan over high heat, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil until almost smoking. Add the garlic, florets and anchovies, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the pine nuts and saute for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Bring the cauliflower water back to a boil and add the ziti. Cook until parboiled, about half-done. Drain well.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Pour the ziti into a large, deep, ovenproof casserole. Stir in the cauliflower mixture and 1/2 of the cheese. Sprinkle with the saffron water and mix gently. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Crumble the bread crumbs on top and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati
null null, null 10-14-2007
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Heavenly Flavors
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was wonderful as is, or with some fontina cheese before the breadcrumbs. It's is also a great way to prepare... cauliflower alone if you don't want the pasta.Read more
recipe Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati
MELISSA Ann Arbor, MI 03-22-2007
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Wow.
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

There are few recipes that surprise me with their taste. This was one. I was looking for an alternative for Mark Bitteman's... Baked Ziti recipe which is a staple in our house during the winter. I looked at this recipe and had to make it. It was amazing!! My husband loved it and I can't wait to make it for my parents. I did take the advice of another reviewer and put sliced, frresh mozzerella on the top.Read more
recipe Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati
Robert WILLIS, TX 11-14-2006
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Add Mozzarella & Bake
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Just before adding the breadcrubs to the top, add aprox. 1 cuo ofsliced or shreded Mozzarella & 1/2 cup additional... pecorino-romano cheese then the breadcrumbs & sprinkle with EVOO & bake as sugested in the recipe.. Then you have created: Ziti Gratinati de Palarmo... Old FazzRead more
recipe Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati
JEN Herndon, VA 10-13-2005
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Wow!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

This is the first edible recipe I have gotten from Mario! And it's VERY tasty! Makes a good meatless meal (not vegetarian... obviously, since there are anchovies) along with a big salad.Read more
recipe Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati
TONY Kailua-Kona, HI 08-04-2004
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flyingpineapples
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Simple and very tasty.
recipe Baked Ziti with Cauliflower: Ziti Gratinati
Anonymous 06-05-2004
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Rated: 4 stars out of 5