Crispy Cauliflower Fritters with Herbed Cheddar Dip

Welcome to a delightful evening with a dish that celebrates the humble cauliflower with a modern twist. These crispy cauliflower fritters paired with a herbed cheddar dip are not only a feast to the eyes but a delightful treat to the taste buds. Crafted with precision, this vegetarian dish is a symphony of textures and flavors that respect the dietary constraints of lactose, additives, and common allergens.

Ingredients

• 1 small cauliflower (approx. 500 grams)
• 100 grams plain flour
• 1 egg
• 60 grams cheddar, grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 100 ml lactose-free milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Method

• Begin by cutting the cauliflower into small florets and steaming them until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
• Once the cauliflower is cooked, mash it lightly with a fork to break it into smaller pieces, but not into a puree.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, egg, grated cheddar, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, baking powder, and garlic powder. Mix until you have a smooth batter.
• Fold the mashed cauliflower into the batter, mixing until the cauliflower is well coated.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan and flatten them gently with the back of the spoon to form fritters.
• Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• In a small bowl, combine the lactose-free milk, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme to create the dip. Mix well until smooth.
• Serve the cauliflower fritters hot with the herbed cheddar dip on the side.

Tips

• For an extra crispy texture, ensure the cauliflower florets are well drained and not too wet before mixing them into the batter.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder to the batter for an added kick of heat.

Nutritional Information