Fried Cauliflower with Whipped Feta
I’m doing everything in my power to make cauliflower as unhealthy as possible. You won’t hate me though, if I dredge it in seasoned flour and cheese and then deep fry it until golden brown and crispy and then top it with more cheese and fresh chives at the end will you? Would you be terribly upset if that happened? Well, it’s too late. It already happened and it’s awesome. So awesome, I had to share it with the world. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I hadn’t. I’m here to make sure you eat your vegetables and if deep frying them makes it so, then who am I to prevent it from happening? I’m not a monster. I’m your friend. And that’s what friends do. Shove deep fried cauliflower with whipped feta (never too much cheese) your way and tempt you into eating it all with me.
Fried Cauliflower with Whipped Feta
Equipment
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Dutch oven
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- vegetable oil for frying
Whipped Feta:
- 4 ounces fresh goat cheese
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 3 ounces feta
- 1/3 heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with a few pinches of salt. Throw in the cauliflower and simmer for about 5 minutes. Drain and allow to cool down completely.
- Fill a large pot or skillet with enough vegetable oil to fill the pot just about halfway. Heat to 370℉ with a candy thermometer.
- In a small shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth. In a separate shallow dish mix the flour with the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and paprika. Coat the cooled cauliflower by dipping into the flour mixture, eggs and then into the flour mixture once again. Place on a wire rack and allow to air dry until the rest are fully dredged.
- Fry the cauliflower in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a plate or platter, lined with paper towels. Transfer to a wire rack and continue frying the rest. Keep warm in a preheated 250℉ oven. Garnish with fresh chives and parmesan.
- To make the whipped feta, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve on the side with a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!
