Em Shaat (Middle Eastern Cauliflower Fritters) 🥦🍳
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the spicy goodness of Em Shaat, a Middle Eastern delight that tantalizes your taste buds with its flavorful blend. These cauliflower fritters are not only a fantastic side dish but also perfect for stuffing between pita bread for a satisfying sandwich, just as my husband adores. Plus, the leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold, making them a versatile option for any mealtime.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower florets | 6-8 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Parsley | 1-2 |
| Egg | 1 |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Lemon | (optional) |
Instructions:
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Boil Cauliflower: Begin by boiling the cauliflower florets until they are tender but still retain their shape, ensuring they are not mushy.
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Prepare Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Carefully separate the florets, keeping them somewhat chunky by cutting them into halves or fourths.
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Prepare Flavor Base: While the cauliflower is cooking, finely chop the garlic cloves and hot pepper together either using a mortar and pestle or a food processor until well combined.
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Mix Ingredients: To the bowl of cauliflower, add the chopped garlic and hot pepper mixture, along with the chopped parsley, one beaten egg, flour, milk, and salt to taste. Stir the ingredients together until they form a thin batter, slightly thinner than pancake batter. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if the batter is too thick or more flour if it’s too thin.
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Combine Well: Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly using a spoon until well combined, ensuring that the cauliflower florets are evenly coated with the batter.
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Heat Oil: In a frying pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for frying.
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Form Fritters: Depending on your preference, you can make the fritters large or small. Use a tablespoon to scoop the cauliflower batter mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Approximately two tablespoons of the mixture will form a large fritter.
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Fry Until Golden: Allow the fritters to fry in the hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, ensuring they are cooked through.
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Optional Lemon Garnish: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked fritters just before serving.
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the golden brown cauliflower fritters to a serving platter and serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce or stuffed between warm pita bread for a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
With their spicy kick and crispy texture, Em Shaat cauliflower fritters are sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire, perfect for brunch, a quick snack, or a tasty side dish. Enjoy! 🌶️🥗
