Cauliflower Neapolitan Recipes

SICILIAN CAULIFLOWER PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, trim the thick stems off the cauliflower and coarsely grate the florets on the large holes of a box grater (it's fine if some small florets remain whole). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, raisins, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender and slightly browned, about 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pasta, parsley, dill, lemon juice, cheese and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Add more cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve with more grated cheese.

CAULIFLOWER NEAPOLITAN

Steps:

• Break cauliflower into small flowerettes and place in a pot of rapidly boiling water for no more than 5 minutes. Immediately drain and plunge blanched flowerettes in chilled water. Leave to cool while you prepare dressing.
• Peel and finely slice onion. Finely chop celery and thinly slice the olives.
• Prepare dressing in a bowl large enough to accomodate cauliflower. Combine oil, lemon juice, capers, olives, onion, celery, parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Add drained cauliflower, toss well.
• Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

NEAPOLITAN CAULIFLOWER SALAD - LA RINFORZATA

Steps:

• Trim the cauliflower and separate it into flowerets. Steam or poach in boiling water to cover for 5 minutes. Plunge immediately into cold water and drain thoroughly.
• Place the blanched flowerets in a large bowl and add the onion, black and green olives, gherkins, capers and anchovies.
• Combine the oil and vinegar, add salt and pepper to taste and blend well. Pour the dressing over the salad, sprinkle with basil and toss gently to coat well.
• Chill for a few hours, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Serve slightly chilled or at room temeprature.