In the minds of many West Coast chefs, the Dungeness crab is the ocean’s finest crustacean. Canadian chef Ned Bell, who attended the 2004 Workshop, showcases the sweet meat in this pasta sauce, which gets some of its creamy body from pureed cauliflower. The dish is rich and worthy of the spotlight, so balance it with a simple butter lettuce salad in a tangy vinaigrette.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion softens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, milk, chile flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring just to a simmer, then adjust the heat to simmer gently. Cook, uncovered, until the cauliflower is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Puree in a blender. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in the mascarpone and mustard.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and boil until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the warm pot. Add the cauliflower sauce and Cheddar and toss over moderately low heat until the cheese melts. Taste for salt. Add the crab meat and chives and toss again. Serve immediately in warm bowls.
Step 3
Enjoy with Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay or another full-bodied white wine.
