SAFFRON SCENTED CAULIFLOWER PASTA

Saffron Scented Cauliflower Pasta image

Scandinavian flavors of saffron and golden raisins flavor this cauliflower and small pasta dish. Crispy, toasted bread crumbs lend a light crunch for contrast.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes Ziti Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
1 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
¼ cup butter, melted
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup golden raisins
¼ cup pine nuts

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Stir the saffron threads into the boiling water, and cover. Set aside to steep for several minutes while proceeding with the recipe.
Toss the bread crumbs together with the melted butter, and lay out evenly on a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped cauliflower and saffron water; season to taste with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer, uncovered, until the cauliflower has softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the raisins, pine nuts, and cooked ziti. Pour into a serving dish and sprinkle with browned bread crumbs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.5 calories, Carbohydrate 78.3 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 238.3 mg, Sugar 13.5 g