Frittelle di Cavolfiore (Cauliflower Fritters) Recipe Guide
Frittelle di Cavolfiore
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels for draining
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower about 1.5 pounds
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
- 1 cup all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower
- Boil the Cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them to the boiling water. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the cauliflower in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes. You want it cool enough to handle, but still warm.
- Mash the Cauliflower
- Mash with a Fork: Once cooled, place the cauliflower in a mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the cauliflower until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture.
- Mix the Batter
- Add Ingredients: To the mashed cauliflower, add the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you're using parsley, add it now too.
- Combine: Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
- Prepare for Frying
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
- Fry the Fritters
- Form the Fritters: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and gently place them in the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Cook: Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to fry in batches.
- Drain and Serve
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy them warm with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or aioli.
- Variations
- Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or herbs like oregano or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Cauliflower fritters, or Frittelle di Cavolfiore, are a delicious and versatile Italian dish that can serve as an appetizer, side, or even a light main course. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them irresistible to both cauliflower lovers and skeptics alike. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that they make a wonderful addition to any meal and are perfect for using up leftover cauliflower. Let me show you how I make these delightful fritters.
Notes on What to Expect
When you bite into these fritters, expect a wonderful crunch followed by the soft, comforting taste of cauliflower mixed with savory cheese and herbs. They are an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: About $10
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels for draining
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Frittelle di Cavolfiore now.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Frittelle di Cavolfiore now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
- Boil the Cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them to the boiling water. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the cauliflower in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes. You want it cool enough to handle, but still warm.
2. Mash the Cauliflower
- Mash with a Fork: Once cooled, place the cauliflower in a mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the cauliflower until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture.
3. Mix the Batter
- Add Ingredients: To the mashed cauliflower, add the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re using parsley, add it now too.
- Combine: Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
4. Prepare for Frying
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
5. Fry the Fritters
- Form the Fritters: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and gently place them in the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Cook: Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to fry in batches.
6. Drain and Serve
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy them warm with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or aioli.
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or herbs like oregano or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Tips
- Texture: Ensure not to over-mash the cauliflower; a bit of texture makes for a delightful bite.
- Serving Size: Adjust the size of your fritters based on your preference for smaller bite-sized pieces or larger portions.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Frittelle di Cavolfiore now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
I hope this guide has made making Frittelle di Cavolfiore seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>