Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Anchovies, and Fried Croutons

Very Healthy
Health score
95%
Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Anchovies, and Fried Croutons
45 min.
6
696kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Anchovies, and Fried Croutons. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. With a health score of 95, it’s a guilt-free option that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at your next gathering.

The star of this recipe is the orecchiette pasta, which beautifully captures the essence of the accompanying ingredients. The tender cauliflower florets, roasted to perfection, add a nutty depth, while the anchovies introduce a savory umami that elevates the dish to new heights. Fresh zucchini and aromatic garlic bring a burst of freshness, making every bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

What truly sets this dish apart is the addition of crispy fried croutons, which provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender pasta and vegetables. Topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese, this dish is a true celebration of Italian cuisine.

Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Bon Appétit!

Ingredients

  • fillet anchovy finely chopped
  • 1.5 cups top country-style
  • 28 ounces cauliflower trimmed cut into 1-inch florets
  • large garlic clove chopped
  • tablespoons olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin divided
  • 0.3 cup parmesan cheese packed freshly grated for serving ()
  • 0.5 cup parsley fresh italian divided chopped
  • tablespoons pecorino cheese freshly grated
  • pound orecchiette ear-shaped (little pasta)
  • medium zucchini trimmed cut into 1/3-inch cubes ( 3 cups)

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • pot

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflowerflorets with 1 tablespoon olive oil inlarge bowl to coat.
  2. Sprinkle with saltand pepper and spread in single layeron large rimmed baking sheet. Roastuntil cauliflower florets are tender andbeginning to brown in spots, stirringoccasionally, about 25 minutes. Cool toroom temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
  3. Cook pasta in large pot of boilinggenerously salted water until just tenderbut still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
  4. Drain pasta, reserving 1 1/3 cups pastacooking liquid. Set pasta and cooking liquidaside separately.
  5. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oliveoil in large deep nonstick skillet or large potover medium-high heat.
  6. Add bread cubesand sauté until golden brown and crisp, 3 to4 minutes.
  7. Transfer to small bowl and cool.Reserve skillet or pot.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to sameskillet or pot and heat over medium-highheat.
  9. Add zucchini and garlic and sautéuntil zucchini is golden brown and crisp-tender,3 to 4 minutes.
  10. Add cauliflower andanchovies and sauté until heated through,3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt andfreshly ground black pepper.
  11. Add drainedpasta, reserved 1 1/3 cups pasta cookingliquid, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil,1/3 cup parsley, 1/3 cup Parmesan, and
  12. Pecorino Romano cheese and toss to coat.Season pasta to taste with salt and freshlyground black pepper. Divide pasta among6 bowls; sprinkle with fried croutons,remaining parsley, and additional Parmesancheese and serve.
  13. Fried zucchiniblossoms make a nice garnish for the pasta.Toss the blossoms in flour to coat, then frythem in a large skillet filled with 1/2 cup oliveoil heated to 360°F just until they're golden.
  14. Drain the fried blossoms on paper towelsbefore placing them on top of the pasta.
  15. Bon Appétit

Nutrition Facts

Calories696kcal
Protein13.25%
Fat30.92%
Carbs55.83%

Properties

Glycemic Index
43.08
Glycemic Load
48.13
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
35.173478136244%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
10.83mg
Luteolin
0.2mg
Kaempferol
0.55mg
Myricetin
0.77mg
Quercetin
1.4mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:696.09kcal
34.8%
Fat:24.2g
37.23%
Saturated Fat:4.57g
28.54%
Carbohydrates:98.33g
32.78%
Net Carbohydrates:90.79g
33.01%
Sugar:9.8g
10.89%
Cholesterol:9.37mg
3.12%
Sodium:533.63mg
23.2%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:23.34g
46.68%
Vitamin K:118.61µg
112.96%
Vitamin C:88.43mg
107.18%
Selenium:69.79µg
99.7%
Manganese:1.42mg
71.15%
Folate:193.8µg
48.45%
Vitamin B1:0.61mg
40.68%
Phosphorus:361.64mg
36.16%
Vitamin B6:0.61mg
30.47%
Vitamin B2:0.51mg
30.19%
Fiber:7.54g
30.17%
Vitamin B3:5.98mg
29.92%
Potassium:952.57mg
27.22%
Iron:4.84mg
26.91%
Magnesium:103.9mg
25.97%
Copper:0.44mg
21.82%
Vitamin E:3.22mg
21.44%
Zinc:2.79mg
18.58%
Calcium:174.92mg
17.49%
Vitamin B5:1.69mg
16.9%
Vitamin A:674.64IU
13.49%
Vitamin B12:0.12µg
2.04%
Source:Epicurious