+GFO
Crispy, perfectly golden, fried cauliflower nuggets will change the future of nuggets as we know it. My sweetie claimed they were better than any chicken nugget he had ever had and loved the slight crunch and the fact that he didn’t feel like crap after eating them. I love all things fried (in moderation, of course), and was happy to have something to slather in ketchup—my guilty pleasure. Now I know frying is bad and we shouldn’t do it, but if we’re gonna splurge here, at least you’re frying up a vegetable, right? —AS
SERVES 2 TO 4
FLAX WASH
¼ cup (28 g) ground flaxseed
¼ cup (25 g) almond meal
¾ cup (180 ml) water
FLOUR MIX
1½ cups (150 g) breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular)
¼ cup (25 g) almond meal
1 tsp organic sugar
2 tbsp (10 g) nutritional yeast
½ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
CAULIFLOWER
¼ cup (60 ml) high-heat oil, for frying (coconut, grapeseed and avocado oils are all great high-heat options)
2 cups (214 g) cauliflower florets (about ½ head of cauliflower)
FOR THE FLAX WASH
In a small bowl, make the flax wash by mixing the ground flax, almond meal and water. Set aside.
FOR THE FLOUR MIX
Next, in a medium mixing bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, almond meal, sugar, nutritional yeast, garlic salt, sea salt, pepper and cayenne. This mixture will become your breading.
FOR THE CAULIFLOWER
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Dip the cauliflower florets into the flax wash mixture, coating lightly but evenly. Next, dip the cauliflower into the flour mixture and coat completely. Drop coated cauliflower nuggets into the heated oil and cook until golden and crunchy. Then flip and repeat until the nugget is evenly fried, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Using tongs or a spatula, move the cooked nuggets to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess oil, let them cool several minutes and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce! They are best if eaten immediately. Uneaten nuggets can be reheated in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until warm.
Not into fried foods? You can try baking these at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be nearly as crunchy and crispy, but probably much healthier. Do what you gotta do!