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Golden Cauliflower Bites: A Crispy and Flavorful Delight


  • Author: Raven
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Golden Cauliflower Bites are a flavorful and satisfying snack or side dish. Lightly seasoned with lemon zest, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, these bites are pan-fried to golden perfection, making them an excellent alternative to traditional fried appetizers. Serve them with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower Bites:

  • 1 small cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (approximately 350g or 12.3 oz)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • Small bunch chives, chopped
  • ½ cup (60g) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (use vegetarian cheese if needed)
  • 1 medium egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving:

  • Tzatziki sauce
  • A few sprigs of fresh dill

Instructions

  • Prepare the Cauliflower:

    • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
    • Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for about 5 minutes until just tender but still firm.
    • Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
  • Make the Fritter Mixture:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cauliflower, salt, pepper, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chives, flour, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Mix well to ensure the seasonings and cheese are evenly distributed.
    • Add the beaten egg and stir until everything is well coated.
    • If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more flour to help bind it.
  • Cook the Cauliflower Bites:

    • Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
    • Once the oil is hot, scoop small portions of the cauliflower mixture into the pan.
    • Flatten slightly to form small fritters.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
    • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve and Garnish:

    • While the bites are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce (if not already made).
    • Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm with tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Customize the cheese: Try cheddar, pecorino, or feta for different flavors.
  • For extra crispiness: Bake the bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes after pan-frying.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean