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.

Yield Serves 4
Total Time 30 minutes
Main Ingredients Plum Tomatoes
Category Pasta, Soups & Rice

Prep: 15 minutes  ·  Cook: 25 minutes

Ditali with Cauliflower — prepared dish

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?

Unico Products Used in This Recipe

Ditali with Cauliflower — Shopping List (4 servings)

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)
Adjust servings 4

Instructions

  1. Soak the anchovy fillets in a little milk to remove excess salt; drain.
  2. Boil the cauliflower 10 minutes in water acidulated with the vinegar, then drain, cool slightly and break into florets, slicing them.
  3. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic and cook a few minutes until golden.
  4. Add the sliced cauliflower and the drained, chopped anchovies; after a few minutes add the sliced tomatoes and season.
  5. Cook about 10 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
  6. 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

  1. 1. Can I leave out the anchovies?

    Yes, though they add savoury depth; add a little extra salt and olive oil.

  2. 2. What pasta works best?

    Short shapes like ditali, elbows or other small tubes.

  3. 3. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

    Yes; thaw and add it directly to the pan, skipping the boiling step.

  4. 4. Is it vegetarian?

    Omit the anchovies for a vegetarian version, adding a pinch of chili for savouriness.

  5. 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.