Food Culture of the South
recipe 
yields
4-6 servings
1 head cauliflower
¾ cup olive oil, divided
½ onion, shredded
5 cloves garlic, chopped
¼ teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon dry oregano
2 anchovy fillets
½ cup white wine
½ cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus rind
1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes, hand crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds fresh rigatoni, or 1 pound dry rigatoni
Ingredients
steps
- Remove core of cauliflower and finely chop florets through the stem. In a saucepot set over medium heat, sweat the cauliflower in ½ cup of the olive oil until tender and translucent.
- Add onions and sweat until tender and translucent. Add garlic and cook 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Add chili flakes, oregano, and anchovy. Cook 2 minutes. Add wine and cheese rind. Cook 5 minutes.Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer 30 minutes, stirring and tasting regularly. (Chef’s note: Make the sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor.)
- To assemble the pasta, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Add 2 cups of the tomato sauce to pot, along with pasta and enough pasta water to make it come together, about ½ to 1 cup. Return to heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in remaining ¼ cup olive oil and grated cheese. Top with more cheese and serve warm.
Date Published: 11.21.14
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- From Tandy Wilson of City House in Nashville, Tennessee
