Golden Cauliflower Bites

Lemon Herb Cauliflower Fritters with Tzatziki Dip: A delightful twist on a classic, these fritters boast a crispy exterior, tender interior, and are enhanced by zesty lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect with creamy tzatziki sauce, they’re quick to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (approximately 350g or 12.3 oz)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • Small bunch chives, chopped
  • 60 g (1/2 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (use Italian-style vegetarian hard cheese for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 medium egg
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • To serve:
    • Tzatziki
    • A few sprigs of fresh dill

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
    • Heat a large pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for about 5 minutes until they are just tender but still firm. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
    • In a large bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower, salt, pepper, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chives, flour, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
    • Crack the egg into the mixture and stir until everything is well coated and the mixture holds together. If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more flour to help bind it.
  3. Cook the Fritters:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
    • Once the oil is hot, scoop portions of the cauliflower mixture into the pan. Flatten them slightly to form fritters.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any residual oil.
  4. Prepare to Serve:
    • While the fritters are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce if not already made, and garnish with fresh dill.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the warm cauliflower fritters with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Conclusion:

These Simple Cauliflower Fritters offer a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower in a fun and flavorful form. They are perfect as a light lunch, a snack, or a side dish to a main meal. The combination of fresh herbs and lemon zest brings a bright flavor that complements the creamy tzatziki sauce beautifully. Enjoy these fritters as a tasty addition to your culinary repertoire, sure to please everyone at the table!