Cauliflower Croquettes Recipe
Cauliflower croquettes are a delightful vegetarian appetizer that combines the mild flavor of cauliflower with aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. This recipe is perfect for serving at house parties, gatherings, or even as a snack. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this delicious dish, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (gobi) | 1 medium, cut into small pieces |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | ½ cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Rosemary | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Thyme Leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Tabasco Original Hot Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | ½ cup |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200-250 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Preparation Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
Servings
| Number of Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Cuisine
| Type | Style |
|---|---|
| Continental | Appetizer |
Instructions
To create the perfect Cauliflower Croquettes, follow these simple steps that blend technique and flavor harmoniously:
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Prepare the Cauliflower: Begin by pressure cooking the cauliflower pieces in a small amount of water, adding a sprinkle of salt for flavor. Cook for about 2 whistles. Once cooked, set it aside and allow the pressure to release naturally.
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Create the Roux: In a saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and chopped garlic. Heat this mixture over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, gradually add the all-purpose flour while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and forms a lump. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
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Blend the Cauliflower: After the cauliflower has cooled slightly, transfer it to a blender and pulse it until you achieve a coarse texture. Avoid turning it into a puree; the texture should be somewhat chunky.
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Flavor the Mixture: In a separate saucepan, heat a small amount of butter and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground cauliflower mixture to this pan. Sprinkle in the rosemary, thyme, and Tabasco sauce, adjusting salt to taste. Cook this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the cauliflower mixture has cooled, combine it with the milk and flour roux. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into cylindrical croquettes or any shape you prefer.
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Chill the Croquettes: Place the shaped croquettes on a plate and refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes in the freezer. This helps them firm up, making frying easier.
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Prepare for Frying: In a shallow dish, whisk the whole egg and set it aside. Place the whole wheat bread crumbs on a separate plate.
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Fry the Croquettes: Heat sunflower oil in a flat skillet over medium heat for shallow frying. Once the oil is hot, take each croquette, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with bread crumbs, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the croquettes into the hot oil and shallow fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the croquettes from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Pair and Enjoy: Serve the Cauliflower Croquettes warm, accompanied by a refreshing Tzatziki dip or a creamy Cottage Cheese Dip with Pepper and Olives, elevating the dish for your guests and making it an irresistible appetizer for any occasion.
This Cauliflower Croquettes recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal dish for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, hearty snack. Enjoy the process of preparing these croquettes, and watch them disappear from the platter at your next gathering!
