Sicilian-Style Cauliflower with Whole Wheat Pasta
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 6 servings
- Calories
- 389
- Total Fat
- 15
- Saturated Fat
- 3
- Carbohydrates
- 56
- Dietary Fiber
- 8
- Sugar
- 9
- Protein
- 13
- Cholesterol
- 6
- Sodium
- 526
- Total: 45 min
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 30 min
Ingredients
Kosher salt, as needed, plus 2 teaspoons
3/4 pound whole-wheat penne
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
5 cups 3/4-inch cauliflower florets (about 1 to 1 1/4 pounds)
1 large shallot, sliced into thin rings
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons golden raisins
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon capers
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, optional
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus more as needed
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously. Add the penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente--tender but not mushy. Drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, shallots, and garlic, and cook, stirring, until the cauliflower is well browned, about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, 2 teaspoons salt, water, vinegar, raisins, honey, capers, thyme, bay leaf, fennel seeds, if using, and season with black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until cauliflower is fork tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the pine nuts and parsley. Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaf.
- Toss vegetables and pasta together along with the pecorino. Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately, passing more cheese at the table.