Sunday, December 29, 2013

Cauliflower Penne

We love cauliflower and pasta -- I've seen several recipes on the internet, blogs and magazines using different things to make this dish. This is my vegan version. I ate some of the leftovers cold the other day and it just as good as when it's fresh and hot!

  • 1 box (16 oz) penne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 links Tofurky Kielbasa, sliced into coins
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, (the ones I used had garlic & onion), undrained
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons small capers
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: vegan parmesan

Cook the penne according to the package directions. While it's cooking heat the oil in a nonstick skillet and add the kielbasa coins. Cook until brown on both sides, set aside.

Using the same skillet add the cauliflower and cook until it starts to brown slightly. But you aren't cooking it all the way just yet.

Add the rest of the ingredients listed (except the Parmesan). Cook, covered, stirring occasionally about 5-8 minutes.

When the cauliflower is tender add the pasta and kielbasa. Stir well. I added a little homemade parmesan to each bowl.
Enjoy!

4 comments:

  1. Penne is unfortunately my favorite pasta. I say unfortunately because I can NEVER order it at a restaurant with a straight face! I start laughing and my boyfriend has to order it for me. It means an unflattering word in spanish, just remove one "n". But aside from that, the pasta is delicious, and I love cauliflower! What other type of meat alternatives do you think would go well with this recipe? I've tried tofurky but didn't really like it.

    vegcourtesy.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Adi,
      That is too funny! Now I have to Google Pene to see what it actually means. I don't know what meat substitutes are available in your area -- I actually prefer the Field Roast brand of imitation sausages but can't always get them. They have a denser consistency. You could use some faux ground beef crumbles I think. Or leave out faux meat and add some cannellini beans for protein. Let me know what you think of the dish if you make it and what you chose to add. Happy New Year and thanks for stopping by my kitchen.

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  2. Perfect recipe, a twist on how to make a penne using cauliflower! thank you for sharing this to us. I am sure my siblings will definitely love this! I will find time to make this this weekend. I also follow one website which talks about vegan food and fitness, http://www.bodybyblasian.com/

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  3. John,
    Thanks for dropping by my kitchen and leaving a comment. I hope you enjoy the dish and will let me know what you think of it. I'm going to check out the url you left. Take care!
    Gloria

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