CRISP CAULIFLOWER

Crisp Cauliflower image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup pine nuts
1 or 2 small heads large cauliflower, (about 2 pounds), outer leaves and cores removed, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and finely chopped
2 teaspoons whole fennel seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup loosely packed mint leaves, finely chopped

Steps:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet. Toast until fragrant, about 7 minutes. Let nuts cool, and chop finely. Set aside.
Fill a saute pan with 1 inch water; bring to a boil. Add cauliflower; cover with aluminum foil. Reduce heat to medium; steam until almost tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat; Transfer cauliflower to a plate; pour off remaining water. Using a kitchen towel, wipe pan dry.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower and pepper. Cook cauliflower until crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil, turn, and cook other side. Transfer to a platter.
Combine pine nuts, anchovies, fennel seeds, and garlic in a small bowl. Add to pan; cook until mixture is fragrant and just starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Raise heat to high; add wine. Cook until liquid has reduced by half, 3 minutes more. Remove skillet from heat, and stir in mint. Drizzle sauce over cauliflower, and serve.