Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Easiest Pasta Ever

This is from Mario Batalli. He notes in his cookbook, that he is embarrassed to put it in because it is just so simple. Like Mario, I'm a little embarrassed to pass this along - but it is too good and too simple not to, know what I mean?

1 box of penne or other pasta you have on hand
14 or 15 cloves of garlic
a good glug of olive oil
1 head of cauliflower, broken down into small flowerettes

Put on your water to boil - always salt generously.

While your water comes to a boil, warm the olive oil over medium/medium high heat, crack and peel the garlic and toss it in. No need to chop, just a light smash. Let this cook while you get your cauliflower trimmed up. The garlic should be a light golden brown when you add in the cauliflower. When you water boils, cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, your garlic and cauliflower will be happily simmering away...lightly salt, lots of pepper. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup or two of its water. Toss pasta in w/the garlic and cauliflower. You may need to add some of the water to make more of a sauce. Serve w/Parmesan cheese.

All together, this takes the time of making a pot of pasta. It doesn't get easier. The garlic gets caramelized, the cauliflower melts a bit...so sweet. Kids love it

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