Dish of Cauliflower Sicilian Style
(click to enlarge)

Cauliflower Sicilian Style


Italy   -   Broccoli alla Siciliana
Serves:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 6 side
***
1 hr
Prep		 This enjoyable treatment of Cauliflower can be a side dish for 5 to 6, or a light main dish for 3.

2
8
8
12
4
7
ar
1
-----

#

oz

oz
T

c
---
Cauliflower
Anchovy fillets (1)  
Onion
Olives (2)
Cheese (3)
Olive Oil ExtV
Salt
Red Wine
-- Garnish
Croutons, or?
Prep   -   (25 min)
  1. Cut Cauliflower into smallish florets.
  2. Drain ANCHOVIES and chop coarse.
  3. Chop ONION fine.
  4. Pit OLIVES as needed and slice crosswise.
  5. Slice CHEESE very thin.
Assemble   -   (10 min)
  1. Figure out how many layers you will have. I use a 3-1/2 quart sauté pan and make 3 layers. Adjust for any other layer count.
  2. Spread 3 T Olive Oil over the pan bottom.
  3. Lay down 1/3 the Onions and sprinkle over 1/3 each Anchovies and Olives.
  4. Layer 1/3 the Cauliflower over the Onions. Top with 1/2 the Cheese. Sprinkle over 1 T Olive Oil and just a little Salt (not much, the Anchovies are salty).
  5. Repeat the above two steps for the next two layers, but there will be no Cheese on the top layer. Sprinkle the top layer with 1 T Olive Oil and very little Salt.
Cook & Serve   -   (25 min)
  1. Pour in the Red Wine. Bring up to a boil. Cover and cook over moderate heat until Cauliflower is tender. Do not stir.
  2. If there is too much liquid left, reduce it over high heat uncovered.
  3. Take off heat, turn out into a deep serving dish and garnish as desired. The "official" garnish is Croutons, but I had none ready so I used parsley.
NOTES:

  1. Anchovies

      The pattern recipe calls for "Salted Anchovies, boned". These are not readily available in North America, so I allow canned anchovies in oil. Try to avoid Moroccan anchovies as they are often of inferior quality. Italian Anchovies are best because they stay quite firm. For details see our Anchovy Products page.

  2. Olives:

      The pattern recipe doesn't specify type or color of Olives. Green Sicilian Olives were used for the photo example, but I have also used Kalamatas. For details see our Olives page.

  3. Cheese:

      The pattern recipe calls for "Strong Caciocavallo Cheese". This is very difficult to find here in California, but Provolone is quite close. Unfortunately, most Provolone sold in North America is rather mild - get the smelliest one you can find.

  4. Comments:

      Cauliflower is called "Broccoli" in Sicily and some other parts of Italy.
  5. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch tt=to taste ar=as required
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