Discover the delightful taste of Sicily with our irresistible Cauliflower Fritters, known as Crispeddi Cu Brocculu! These golden-brown bites are not only a fantastic way to enjoy veggies but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick 25 minutes of your time, you can whip up these crispy treats that are perfect as an appetizer or a snack. Ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Sicilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (Pecorino or Parmesan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by washing it thoroughly and grating it using a box grater or food processor, ensuring fine, uniform shreds.
- Place the grated cauliflower in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture, then gently squeeze out any remaining liquid using a clean kitchen towel.
- In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive batter.
- Heat vegetable or olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep for proper frying.
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop small portions of the cauliflower mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy, ensuring an even color and texture.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, which helps maintain their crispiness.
- Sprinkle with additional salt if desired and serve immediately while hot and crisp, optionally with a side of marinara sauce or lemon wedges.
Tips
- Grate the Cauliflower Finely: For the best texture, ensure that your cauliflower is grated into fine, uniform shreds. This helps the fritters hold together and cook evenly.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: After salting the grated cauliflower, allow it to sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Squeeze it well with a clean kitchen towel to achieve a crispy fritter.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Adding Pecorino or Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the fritters' golden color and richness.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the fritters will burn; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for around 350°F (175°C).
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the fritters in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters.
- Serve Immediately: These fritters are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the pan. Serve them with marinara sauce or lemon wedges for an extra zing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
