PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, PINE NUTS AND RAISINS

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, PINE NUTS AND RAISINS image

Yield 4 - 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 10

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1 lb (500 grams) of cauliflower, broken into florets, stems removed
1/4 c. (60 ml) olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves finely minced garlic
1/2 teaspon saffron, steeped in 1/2 c. (125 ml) white wine
6 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 lb (500 grams) rigatoni or penne
1/3 c. raisins, soaked in water for 10 minutes and then drained
1/3 c. (60 grams) pine nuts, toasted
freshly grated pecorino cheese (optional)

Steps:

Fill large pot with water and lightly salted and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower to boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes --- tender, but not falling apart. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl and set aside. Save water for cooking pasta. In a large saute pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute until pale gold -- aabout 10 minutes. Add the saffron, soaking liquid and anchovies and cook for 3 minutes to blend flavors. While the sauce is cooking, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain pasta, but keep cooking water. Add cauliflower, raisins and pine nuts to the onions along with a ladle of pasta water. Simmer over low heat until the florets are very soft, 3-4 minutes. Add pasta to the sauce mixture and toss. If needed, add some more pasta water and toss again. Serve and offer pecorino cheese.