Orecchiette Cauliflower Anchovies Parmesan & Pistachios
1. 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios
2. 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
3. 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
4. 5 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained and minced
5. 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
6. 1 pound orecchiette
7. 1/2 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
8. 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
9. 1 teaspoon merquen
10. Fleur de Sel and freshly ground pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the pistachios in a pie plate and bake for about 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Let cool, and then coarsely chop.
2. In a medium saucepan of boiling water blanch cauliflower florets for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large, deep skillet, cook the butter over moderate heat until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cook over moderately high heat until golden. Add the anchovies and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the stock and cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 3 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orecchiette until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Stir in the parsley, Parmesan and Merquen and season with fleur de sel and pepper. Transfer to a warmed bowl, sprinkle with the chopped pistachios and serve.