Fried Cauliflower Romesco Sauce

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Fried Cauliflower Romesco Sauce

Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden cauliflower floret that's been lovingly coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and served with a luxuriously rich Romesco sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coast of Spain. This isn't just another vegetable side dish - this is a culinary adventure that transforms humble cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that will make even the most vegetable-skeptical person ask for seconds!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  2. 1 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/2 cup flour
  4. 2 eggs, beaten
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 1 cup roasted red peppers
  7. 1/4 cup almonds
  8. 2 cloves garlic
  9. 1/4 cup olive oil
  10. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the cauliflower. Rinse the head of cauliflower under cold water and remove the leaves. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain the cauliflower and set aside to cool.
  3. While the cauliflower is cooling, prepare the breading station. In one shallow bowl, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
  4. Once the cauliflower has cooled, take each floret and first coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the floret in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat this process for all the cauliflower florets.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded cauliflower florets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the florets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cauliflower to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  6. While the cauliflower is frying, prepare the Romesco sauce. In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Once all the cauliflower is fried, serve it warm alongside the Romesco sauce. Drizzle the sauce over the cauliflower or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Fried Cauliflower with Romesco Sauce!

Tips

  1. Ensure your cauliflower florets are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
  2. Use a thermometer to check oil temperature - aim for around 350°F (175°C) for perfect golden-brown results.
  3. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and achieve maximum crispiness.
  4. Pat the cauliflower dry after blanching to help the breading adhere better.
  5. For extra flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or herbs to your breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Let the Romesco sauce sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
  7. If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the breaded cauliflower at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380kcal

Carbohydrates: 30g

Protein: 12g

Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 95mg

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