INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces pancetta, cut into 1- inch pieces or 1/4-inch dice if you can get sliced to order
1 head cauliflower, separated into florets, florets sliced in half
1/4 cup + 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise across the width
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Olive oil as needed
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
4 large fresh sage leaves, finely sliced lengthwise
Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD:
In a non-reactive bowl, toss cauliflower florets and 1/4 cup of orange juice to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes or more.
Drain the cauliflower, and then drizzle with a little oil, and toss to coat all over. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the pancetta and gently cook to color and crisp, rendering any fat. When nicely colored and crisp, remove the pancetta to a bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving any fat behind in the pan.
If the pan is pretty dry, add enough oil to slick the pan to 1/16 inch. Add the garlic slices and cook until the garlic is golden. Remove the garlic and place it on a paper towel.
Add the onions to the pan and cook until softened, but not taking any color. Remove to the pancetta bowl.
Add cauliflower to the pan, cut surfaces down on the pan bottom. Cook to caramelize, then turn the cauliflower. Cook until browned and tender. When cooked, remove to a bowl.
Increase heat to high. Add sage strips and cook until fragrant and crisping. Remove and set on a paper towel.
Add 1/3 cup orange juice to the pan. Deglaze the pan, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook the orange juice down to a glaze. When the juice has thickened to a glaze, add the cauliflower, onions, and pancetta and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the oregano and season with salt and pepper. Scatter with the garlic, sage, and pinenuts, and serve hot.
YIELD: Serves 4
