Cauliflower Fritters

If it looks like a potato pancake and it tastes like a potato pancake, it must be a potato pancake, right?   Wrong!!  These are cauliflower fritters, and they are delicious.  Similar to the taste of a potato pancake, they make a fabulous side dish–we loved them!

As a continuation of my posts about cauliflower, I have this one for you.   Another way to use this versatile vegetable and reap it’s health benefits in a fun way.

You can use either a bag of frozen cauliflower, or cook up some fresh cauliflower, mash, then mix with hash brown potatoes, cheese, onions, whole wheat flour and eggs.  Use just enough oil to sauté them in a fry pan, and you will have crispy fritters.  I made a dipping sauce to go with them that enhanced their presentation and flavor.  I find it amazing how versatile cauliflower is and how it can mimic potatoes or rice.  It makes a great stand-in for either of them with far fewer calories and carbohydrates.

CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS

Yield:  Makes 8 – 10 fritters

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, or 1 (10-oz.) package frozen cauliflower
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped in small dice
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3/4 cup shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

For the dipping sauce:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (0%, or 2% fat is okay)
• 2 tablespoons minced green onions
• 2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 – 2 dashes hot sauce, optional

Directions:

1.  Prepare cauliflower as package directs if frozen, or bring to a boil and cook until tender if using fresh.

2.  Place cauliflower in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher.  Stir in onion, flour, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest, potatoes, cheese and eggs.  Mix to combine well.

3.  Form into 8 – 10 patties.  I used a large spoon, and dropped lumps of batter into the skillet, then flattened them slightly with a spatula. Using this method, I got 10 fritters.

4.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add oil and swirl to coat.  Cook patties 4 minutes on each side or until nicely browned.  Repeat with remaining batter.

5.  Make dipping sauce:  Combine yogurt, 1/8 tsp. salt, and remaining ingredients.  Serve sauce with fritters.

SOURCE:  adapted from Skinny Taste