Mixed-up Cauliflower

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 5 tablespoons raisins
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb fresh cauliflower floret, cut into 1 inch pieces (parboiled and patted dry ( or you can use 2 10-oz. boxes frozen florets defrosted, cut into 1 inch p)
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (see below or use a good quality canned tomato sauce with basil)
• 1/2 cup water (or chicken stock)
• 1/16 teaspoon saffron
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (mixed with 1 tbsp. sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 (28 ounce) cans peeled italian tomatoes
• 10 fresh basil leaves

Recipe

• 1 place the raisins in a bowl of hot water to plump for 10 minutes. drain and set aside.
• 2 pour 2 tablespoons of the olive oil into a large nonstick skillet and heat on high until the oil is almost smoking, about 2-3 minutes. add the cauliflower florets and cook 2 minutes. add the garlic, stir and cook for 2 minutes more. sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoons salt, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
• 3 wipe the pan clean, raise the heat to medium-high, add the remaining oil, drained raisins, pine nuts and red pepper flakes and cook 3-4 minutes. add the cooked cauliflower, stir well and cook for 3 minutes. add the remaining salt, the tomato sauce, water or stock, saffron, balsamic vinegar-sugar mixture and cocoa powder. bring to a boil and simmer until most of the sauce has been absorbed, about 4-5 minutes. serve with slices of hearty italian bread.
• 4 for the tomato sauce: pour oil into a 3-qt. pot set on medium-high heat and cook the garlic and onions for 3 minutes. reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the onions are soft and start to brown. while the onions are cooking, put the tomatoes and their juices in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. add the tomato puree to the onion mixture, raise the heat to high and bring to a boil for 5-8 minutes. reduce the heat, add the basil and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.