Description
These crispy and flavorful cauliflower fritters make a delightful vegetarian appetizer or snack. Made with tender cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, and fragrant herbs, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish. Perfect for gluten-free diets when using chickpea flour, these fritters are a healthy yet indulgent treat that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Drain them thoroughly and allow to cool slightly to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Prepare Cauliflower Mixture: Pulse the cooked cauliflower in a food processor until finely chopped, or mash it by hand to a coarse consistency. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Mix the Batter: Add the eggs, flour, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and chopped parsley to the cauliflower. Stir well until you get a sticky, cohesive batter ready to hold together when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the surface is evenly coated for frying.
- Cook the Fritters: Scoop about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the batter per fritter onto the skillet and flatten lightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the fritters achieve a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked fritters and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm garnished with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway to crisp both sides.
- Add finely chopped onions or grated zucchini into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Fritters are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a skillet to maintain their crispiness.
