Meatless Monday Recipe-Macaroni with Broccoli and Cauliflower

Macaroni with Broccoli and Cauliflower
Serves four; 30 minutes prep time

6 oz cauliflower florets, cut into small sprigs
6 oz broccoli florets, cut into small sprigs
3 cups short-cut macaroni
4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 Tbsp pine nuts
1 sachet of saffron powder, or a good pinch of saffron threads dissolved in 1 Tbsp water (I think this is more for the color. Whole Foods actual has saffron for a good price.)
2 Tbsp raisins (optional)
2 Tbsp sun-dried tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh grated Pecorino cheese (optional)

1. Cook the cauliflower sprigs in a large pan of salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Add the broccoli and boil for a further 2 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan using a large slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Add the pasta to the vegetable cooking water and bring the water back to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet until it is al dente.

3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large non-skillet or pan, add the onion and cook over a low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes or golden, stirring frequently. Add the pine nuts, the cooked broccoli and cauliflower, and the saffron water. Add the raisins, sun-dried tomato paste and a couple of ladlefuls of the pasta cooking water until the vegetable mixture has the consistency of a sauce. Finally, add plenty of black pepper.

4. Stir well then cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the vegetable mixture. Toss to mix well, then taste for seasoning and add salt, if necessary. Serve the pasta immediately in four warmed bowls, sprinkled with grated Pecorino cheese.

Variation: Use any kind of pasta shapes such as penne, conchiglie or fusilli in place of macaroni.

Found in Fat-Free Vegetarian by Anne Sheasby