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Cauliflower Fritters with Lemon, Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

These crispy and flavorful Cauliflower Fritters are a delightful vegetarian appetizer or side dish. Made with steamed cauliflower, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon zest, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with refreshing tzatziki and fresh dill. Perfect for a light meal or snack, these fritters combine simple ingredients into a tasty and satisfying treat.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 fritters

Ingredients

Cauliflower Fritters:

  • 1 small cauliflower, chopped into small florets (about 350g or 12.3 oz)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • Small bunch chives, chopped
  • 60 g (1/2 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 50 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese (use Italian-style vegetarian hard cheese for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 medium egg
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

To Serve:

  • Tzatziki
  • A few sprigs of fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 6 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well to remove excess water.
  2. Mash the Cauliflower: Place the cooked cauliflower in a bowl and lightly crush with a potato masher until the texture resembles small gravel-sized lumps; it does not need to be completely smooth.
  3. Mix the Batter: Add salt, pepper, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped chives, plain flour, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and the egg to the mashed cauliflower. Stir everything together with a spoon until well combined.
  4. Form the Fritters: Scoop out a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Squash the ball flat and place it on a plate. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 8-10 fritters.
  5. Heat the Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, making sure the oil is hot before adding the fritters.
  6. Fry the Fritters: In two batches, fry the cauliflower fritters for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until evenly browned and cooked through. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while frying the second.
  7. Serve: Place the cooked fritters on a serving plate. Top each fritter with a dollop of tzatziki and a sprig of fresh dill. Serve with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain the cauliflower thoroughly after steaming to avoid soggy fritters.
  • You can substitute parmesan with a vegetarian hard cheese if desired.
  • These fritters reheat well in an oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian