Pasta with Walnuts and Roasted Cauliflower

 This is a great recipe to be used as a side dish or as a main dish.  Serve with a side salad or sauteed greens.

 Ingredients:

10 ounces pasta

Florets from 1/2 head cauliflower (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

5 cloves garlic, sliced

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste

1/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook pasta until tender, about 10 minutes for dried or 3 minutes for fresh.

 Meanwhile, break any large florets into smaller pieces and place florets on a baking sheet.  Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil, sprinkle with garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss.  Roast, stirring occasionally, until florets and garlic are lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

 Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water.  Toss pasta with roasted cauliflower and garlic, walnuts and remaining 1 tablespoon oil.  Stir in Parmesan, if desired, and a little of the reserved cooking water.  Serve sprinkled with black pepper.  Serves 2-3 as a main course, 4-6 as a side dish.