Fusili with Cauliflower
- 4Servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- About 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 pound pancetta
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 - 3 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small red jalapeno or Fresno chile pepper, finely chopped, or a fat pinch crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- A fat handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower; cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl of ice water (reserve the cooking water). Let the cauliflower cool; drain. Boil the reserved water for the pasta.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the pancetta; cook, stirring often, until the fat renders, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and chile; cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 5 minutes.
Salt the boiling water. Add the pasta; cook to al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water; drain the pasta.
Stir the tomato paste into the cauliflower mixture; cook for 1 minute. Add the wine; shake the skillet until the wine almost evaporates, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the pasta water, pasta and parsley; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Top with cheese.
