Torchio with Cauliflower, Cavolo Nero, Currants, and Pine Nuts

Name: Torchio with Cauliflower, Cavolo Nero, Currants, and Pine Nuts
Ingredients: 1 pound cavolo nero, cleaned, center ribs removed; 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 sprig rosemary; 2 chiles de árbol, crumbled; 1 cup sliced onion, plus 1 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup sliced garlic; 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs; 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 1/2 pounds), broken into bite-sized florets; 1 pound torchio, orecchiette, or penne pasta (see Sources); 1 tablespoon thyme leaves; 2 teaspoons minced salt-packed anchovy; 1/4 cup (1/2 recipe) currant–pine nut relish (see page 58); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

January 24, 2012

This pasta might sound unsubstantial, but I promise you won’t leave the table wishing you’d made a roast instead. The caramelized cauliflower, rich cavolo nero, and chewy pasta, sautéed with rosemary, chile, garlic, anchovy, and onion, meld together into a filling, savory whole. Although sautéing the pasta isn’t traditional, I love the integration of flavors and the slightly crisped noodles.

Cooks' Note

If you can’t find torchio, choose a pasta with lots of nooks and crannies to capture all those delicious ingredients. You can stew the cavolo, blanch the cauliflower, and toast the breadcrumbs in advance.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.