Pasta Mista with Cauliflower
Cucina povera is full of delicious and simple dishes like this. These type of meals were meant to stretch a dollar to feed large families. Many of these dishes are being served in high end restaurants but they come from very humble beginnings. These are the dishes that feed your soul. I grew up eating these type of dishes and they are the dishes I always come back to.
Pasta Mista with Cauliflower
A simple, delicious and inexpensive meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 Head of Cauliflower
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 13 oz Tomato purée
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil to taste
- Handful of cubed Pecorino Romano
- 1 lb Pasta Mista or an small pasta you have on hand
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Wash it and boil it in salted water until fork tender. Remove from water and set aside.
- Into a separate pot, add olive oil and 2 garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant. Add the tomato puree and season with salt, pepper and basil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 10 -15 mins.
- Add the cauliflower to the sauce and mix well breaking up the cauliflower into smaller pieces.
- Add the pasta, and enough hot water to cover the pasta by 2 inches. Add a handful of cubed Pecorino Romano. Stir often so the pasta does stick to the bottom. You need to add more water if it dries out and the pasta isn’t cooked yet. This is a creamy type of dish. Pasta is not meant to be al dente.
- Top with grated cheese and enjoy!
