Vegan Crispy Cauliflower Bites
These crispy cauliflower bites are the perfect snack or appetizer, yielding around 70-75 small pops that can serve 2-3 people. They’re deliciously golden and pair well with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- 650g cauliflower florets (from 2 medium heads)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Chopped basil, for garnish
- Tomato ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
- Canola oil (or any neutral oil), for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are cooked through and tender.
- Process the cooked cauliflower in a food processor until smooth and it reaches a mashed-potato-like consistency.
- Make the Mixture:
- Transfer the processed cauliflower to a bowl.
- Add in the minced garlic, salt, and flour. Mix well until fully combined.
- Form the Bites:
- Scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small balls.
- Fry the Balls:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully add the cauliflower balls to the pan, cooking in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Fry until the balls are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the balls from the pan and place them on a strainer or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Garnish the crispy cauliflower bites with chopped basil (optional).
- Serve with tomato ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Baking Option:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the cauliflower balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the balls with a little oil and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Note that baking may result in a slightly less even browning compared to frying.
Enjoy these bites as a light snack or party appetizer, and don’t forget to dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra kick!
