Holiday Dinner Party: Roasted Cauliflower with Pasta and Lemon Zest

I thought this would be a nice side dish for the pork (it can also serve as a standalone vegetarian entree).  Because the pork had to cook at 350 degrees, I roasted the cauliflower, onion, caper combo earlier in the afternoon.  I figured the cauliflower would get reheated once I mixed it with the hot pasta immediately before serving.

I thought this was a delicious side.  The roasted veggies had a wonderful flavor enhanced by the lemon zest.  I also added a touch of parmesan cheese.  I will definitely be making this again.

Roasted Cauliflower with Pasta and Lemon Zest
Martha Stewart

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into small florets (about 7 cups)
• 1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1/4 cup salt-packed capers, rinsed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounces dried orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta)
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss together cauliflower, onion, capers, and 2 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

Roast, stirring halfway through, until cauliflower is tender and browned, about 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain.

Toss hot pasta with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the parsley, and lemon zest. Add cauliflower mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine.