Mafalde and Roasted Cauliflower / Italian pasta vegetarian recipe

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making Mafalde and Roasted Cauliflower, a delicious vegetarian pasta dish inspired by Italian cuisine. This recipe is not only flavorful but also healthy, featuring roasted cauliflower that adds texture and depth to the pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish showcases how simple ingredients can create a satisfying meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Cauliflower

To start, you need to roast the cauliflower, which enhances its flavor.

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 1 head of cauliflower
   • 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika for added flavor

2. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

3. Cut Cauliflower:

   • Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower.
   • Cut it into bite-sized florets.

4. Season Cauliflower:

   • In a bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer.

5. Roast Cauliflower:

   • Spread the seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet.
   • Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Mafalde Pasta

While the cauliflower is roasting, you can cook the pasta.

1. Choose Your Pasta:

   • Use Mafalde pasta or any pasta of your preference.

2. Boil Water:

   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.

3. Cook Pasta:

   • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-12 minutes).
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Reserve Pasta Water:

   • Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water for later use.

5. Drain Pasta:

   • Drain the cooked pasta in a colander.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Roasted Cauliflower

Now, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Mix Pasta and Cauliflower:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and roasted cauliflower.

2. Add Sauce or Seasoning:

   • Drizzle with olive oil or your preferred sauce (like a simple garlic and olive oil mix).
   • Add salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you like (such as parsley or basil).

3. Adjust Consistency:

   • If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve

Finish up by plating your dish.

1. Plate the Pasta:

   • Serve the Mafalde with roasted cauliflower on plates.

2. Garnish:

   • Top with grated Parmesan cheese or vegan cheese if preferred.
   • Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color and flavor.

Conclusion

Enjoy your Mafalde and Roasted Cauliflower as a hearty vegetarian meal. This dish is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different spices and vegetables. Feel free to pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Happy cooking!