Cauliflower Anchovy Raisin Spaghetti (Printable version)

Roasted cauliflower meets savory anchovies and sweet raisins in this balanced Italian pasta dish. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What you need:

→ Pasta

01 - 11 oz whole wheat spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cauliflower (about 21 oz), cut into small florets
03 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small red chili, finely chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

→ Umami & Sweetness

06 - 6 anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
07 - 1/4 cup raisins
08 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

→ Seasoning

11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Steps to follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté garlic and chili for 1 minute until fragrant. Add anchovies and capers, stirring until anchovies dissolve into the oil.
04 - Stir in raisins and roasted cauliflower. Toss gently, then add drained spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix well to combine and heat through.
05 - Remove from heat. Add lemon zest and chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and toss again.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Perfectly balances salty umami from anchovies with natural sweetness from raisins.
  • Low-calorie and pescatarian-friendly, making it a healthy weeknight choice.
  • Simple to prepare in just 40 minutes using common pantry staples.
02 -
  • Ensure the cauliflower florets are cut small and uniform so they roast quickly and evenly.
  • Always reserve some pasta water; its starch helps the olive oil and melted anchovies create a light sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly.
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