saffron scented cauliflower pasta

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Recipe

Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Ready Time: 1 hr


• preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
• stir the saffron threads into the boiling water, and cover. set aside to steep for several minutes while proceeding with the recipe.
• toss the bread crumbs together with the melted butter, and lay out evenly on a cookie sheet. bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.
• meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• while the pasta is cooking, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. stir in the onion, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. add the chopped cauliflower and saffron water; season to taste with salt and pepper. increase heat to medium-high and simmer, uncovered, until the cauliflower has softened, about 10 minutes. stir in the raisins, pine nuts, and cooked ziti. pour into a serving dish and sprinkle with browned bread crumbs.