Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Linguine with Cauliflower and Brown Butter

The 3 of us eating this new "keeper" finished it off
in one sitting. Delicious.



3/4 cup packaged croutons or 3 slices stale bread6
 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 medium cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds), cut into florets 
Coarse salt and ground pepper 
1 pound linguine (I used a spinach noodle)
10 fresh sage leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 shallot, minced
3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  1. Place croutons in a plastic bag, and crush to coarse crumbs with a rolling
pin. (If using bread, grind in a food processor, and toast in a dry skillet
until golden, 2 to 3 minutes, shaking skillet frequently to toast evenly)
  2. In a large skillet, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
Add cauliflower florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt: sauté, 15 minutes. Add 1/4 cup
water: cook until cauliflower is tender when pierced with a sharp knife,
about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook linguine until al dente,
about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  4. In pasta pot, melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir
in sage and shallot, cook until butter is golden brown, 3 minutes. Add pasta,
cauliflower, parsley, and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Toss to
combine. Add reserved cooking water if pasta seems dry. To serve, sprinkle
with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan.