Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of Green Roman Cauliflower florets only (regular cauliflower can be substituted)
  • 8 medium cloves of garlic (sliced thin)
  • 1/2 cup Arbequina extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup good quality fresh grated Pecorino cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 4-6 serving of pappardelle or another wide noodle (fettuccine or tagliatelle will work also).

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook pasta.
  2. In a large saute pan, heat the Arbequina over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic and saute until light golden brown (be very careful not to burn the garlic)
  4. Blanch the cauliflower florets for 2 minutes.
  5. Remove, drain, and add to the saute pan with the garlic along with the red chili flakes.
  6. Meanwhile, boil the fresh pasta for two minutes in the same water used to blanch the cauliflower.
  7. Saute the cauliflower, garlic and chili flakes for a few more minutes over medium-high heat until the cauliflower begins to get toasty golden brown around the edges.
  8. Add one cup of pasta water, the Pecorino, and cream to the pan with the cauliflower and garlic.
  9. Simmer for a minute until slightly thickened, and add a few grinds of fresh ground pepper.
  10. Add the well drained pasta to the pan and toss to coat the pasta and distribute the cauliflower florets.
  11. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
  12. Add more cheese to serve.

Makes 4-6 servings

Adapted from the Veronica Foods blog