Ditali with Cauliflower
Ditali with Cauliflower
A southern-Italian pasta of tender cauliflower with anchovy, garlic and plum tomatoes, tossed with ditali and finished with parsley.
Prep: 15 minutes · Cook: 25 minutes

What Is Ditali with Cauliflower?
A southern-Italian pasta where boiled cauliflower is sautéed with anchovy, garlic and plum tomatoes into a savoury sauce for short pasta like ditali or elbows.
Why Make Ditali with Cauliflower?
- A tasty way to enjoy cauliflower
- Anchovy and garlic add savoury depth
- Pantry-friendly and economical
- A satisfying meatless meal
- Quick to put together
Unico Products Used in This Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 anchovy fillets (soaked in milk)
- 1 cauliflower (small)
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 plum tomatoes (sliced)
- 350 g ditali or elbows
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, to garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the anchovy fillets in a little milk to remove excess salt; drain.
- Boil the cauliflower 10 minutes in water acidulated with the vinegar, then drain, cool slightly and break into florets, slicing them.
- Heat the oil in a large pan, add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic and cook a few minutes until golden.
- Add the sliced cauliflower and the drained, chopped anchovies; after a few minutes add the sliced tomatoes and season.
- Cook about 10 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain, toss with the sauce and sprinkle with parsley.
Cooking Tips
- Boil the cauliflower with a splash of vinegar to keep it pale
- Melt the anchovies into the oil so they dissolve
- Slice the florets so they coat the pasta
- Use a short shape like ditali or elbows
- Finish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil
Frequently Asked Questions About Ditali with Cauliflower
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1. Can I leave out the anchovies?
Yes, though they add savoury depth; add a little extra salt and olive oil.
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2. What pasta works best?
Short shapes like ditali, elbows or other small tubes.
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3. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes; thaw and add it directly to the pan, skipping the boiling step.
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4. Is it vegetarian?
Omit the anchovies for a vegetarian version, adding a pinch of chili for savouriness.
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5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water.
Cooking Guides & Tips
Ditali with Cauliflower Made Simple
Ditali with Cauliflower is humble, savoury southern-Italian comfort food. Unico plum tomatoes and pasta bring it together easily.