1.5 pounds cauliflower cut into small florets ( 1 quart florets)
3 cloves garlic minced
0.3 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper black
3 tablespoons olive oil
0.3 cup parmesan grated plus more for serving
0.3 cup pinenuts
0.3 cup raisins
0.8 pound rigatoni
0.8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water
Equipment
frying pan
oven
pot
Directions
In a small frying pan, toast the pine nuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast them in a 350 oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring, about 30 seconds. Increase the heat to moderate.
Add the cauliflower, tomatoes, raisins, water, and salt and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the cauliflower is very tender, about 10 minutes.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rigatoni until just done, about 14 minutes.
Drain the rigatoni and toss with the pine nuts, cauliflower sauce, basil, Parmesan, and pepper.
Serve with additional Parmesan.
Wine Recommendation: Barbera is the everyday wine of the Piedmontese, and this pasta will show you why. High in acid, low in tannin, and chock-full of bright blackberry fruitiness, barberas are perhaps the best wines in the world to serve with tomato-based dishes.
