Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained and patted dry
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 x 400 g can organic chickpeas, drained, rinsed, patted dry
- pinch red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper)
- 225 g strozzapreti, gemelli, or other medium pasta
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 100 g baby arugula
- Grated parmesan, to garnish
For the toasted panko bread crumbs:
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs (25 g)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C (180°C Fan) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the cauliflower to the baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, spread out in an even level, making sure not to overcrowd.
- In a large, deep-sided skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add capers and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisped, about 3-4 minutes (if needed use a lid or spray guard to prevent the oil from splattering).
- Transfer capers to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the oil in the skillet. Set capers aside.
- Add the chickpeas to the same skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beginning to crisp about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until chilled. Drain well and transfer to large bowl.
- To prepare the toasted bread crumbs, in a small non-stick skillet heat 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon of butter on medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the panko and cook, stirring continuously, until browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in the grated parmesan. Set aside.
- Add the roasted cauliflower to the bowl with the pasta, as well as the lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chickpeas and capers. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Add the rucola and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. Toss gently.
- Sprinkle half of the toasted panic breadcrumbs over the pasta salad and toss again gently to incorporate. Top with the remaining bread crumb and garnish with more parmesan, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- To make this recipe 100% vegetarian, look for a parmesan cheese made with vegetal rennet.
