When cauliflower is sautéed or roasted, it undergoes a delightful transformation, becoming earthy, nutty, and sweet. These flavors inspired us to create a flavorful pasta dish featuring whole-wheat spaghetti and cauliflower. We kept things simple by preparing this dish on the stovetop, bringing together the natural flavors of cauliflower with a few key ingredients. Golden raisins and pine nuts provide a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, while anchovies add a savory depth that enhances the overall taste without overpowering. Don’t be alarmed by the presence of anchovies—they play a crucial role in elevating the dish’s flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference. This recipe offers a unique blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Follow the instructions below to create a delicious and satisfying cauliflower and whole-wheat spaghetti dish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- 1/2 head cauliflower (1 pound), cored and cut into 1-inch florets
- 1/3 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus extra to taste
- 12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
PREPARATIONS:
- In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, minced anchovies, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cauliflower florets and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is well-browned and tender, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Clear the center of the skillet and add the garlic mixture. Cook, mashing the mixture into the pan, until fragrant, for about 1 minute. Stir the garlic mixture into the cauliflower and cook for an additional minute. Off the heat, stir in the chopped golden raisins, pine nuts, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
- Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the whole-wheat spaghetti and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it reaches the desired al dente texture. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the cauliflower mixture and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta. Toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and additional lemon juice to taste. Add more reserved cooking water as needed to adjust the consistency of the dish.
- Serve the pasta with a generous sprinkling of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
- Adjust the consistency of the dish by adding more reserved cooking water as needed.
TIPS:
- If you don’t have a scale, you can measure out the long strands of pasta by using a measuring cup. Approximately 2 ounces of spaghetti is equivalent to a 1-inch diameter bunch, which is about the thickness of a quarter.
This cauliflower and whole-wheat spaghetti dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. By sautéing the cauliflower and combining it with garlic, anchovies, golden raisins, and pine nuts, we’ve created a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. The earthy and nutty notes of the cauliflower are enhanced by the savory anchovies and balanced by the sweetness of the raisins. The crunch of the pine nuts adds a delightful texture, while the lemon juice brightens the overall taste. Tossed together with whole-wheat spaghetti, this dish is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and harmonious flavors. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra touch of tanginess. Whether you’re a cauliflower lover or simply looking for a delicious pasta dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of this cauliflower and whole-wheat spaghetti dish as a delightful and wholesome meal.
