Spaghetti with Cauliflower, Green Olives, and Almonds

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Cauliflower, Green Olives, and Almonds

• 300ml pitted brine-cured green olives (plain or stuffed)

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1 (1.1kg) head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch-wide florets (8 cups)

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• Scant 1/2 teaspoons dried hot red-pepper flakes

• 60ml water

• 350g dried spaghetti or linguine

• 30g finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano (120ml ) plus additional for serving

• 110g whole almonds with skin (110g), toasted and coarsely chopped

How to make Spaghetti with Cauliflower, Green Olives, and Almonds

Pulse olives and parsley in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook cauliflower with salt, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender and garlic is golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

Stir in water and boil 1 minute. Add olive mixture and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve 240ml pasta-cooking water. Drain in a colander and return to pot.

Add cauliflower mixture and toss well, then add cheese and toss again. If pasta is dry, moisten with some reserved cooking water.

Sprinkle pasta with almonds and serve immediately, with additional cheese on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.