VENETIAN CAULIFLOWER

Venetian Cauliflower image

Give commonplace cauliflower an upgrade and it becomes holiday fare. Take a classic Venetian approach by using a mixture of sweet spices. Caramelized onions, saffron and cinnamon build the fragrant foundation, along with fennel and coriander seeds. Currants, golden raisins and pine nuts add complexity.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, vegetables, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 cauliflower, about 1 1/2 pounds
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
Pinch of saffron, crumbled
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup currants
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Steps:

Cut cauliflower in half from top to bottom, then remove the core. With a paring knife, cut into very small florets of equal size. Blanch florets in boiling water for 2 minutes. Cool in cold water and drain.
Put olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add saffron, cinnamon, fennel seeds, coriander seeds and red pepper. Season well with salt and pepper.
Add lemon zest, currants, raisins and cauliflower florets. Toss with wooden spoons to distribute. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes more, until cauliflower is tender. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with pine nuts and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 195, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 403 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams