Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro, for garnish)
- Vegan ranch dressing or dipping sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set them aside.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the plant-based milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter that’s not too thick. Add a little more milk if needed.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast (if using). Coat the battered cauliflower florets in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
- Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like vegan ranch or buffalo sauce.
Tips:
- Frying Option: If you prefer fried cauliflower, heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the cauliflower florets in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the cauliflower. After dipping it in the batter, dip it again in the breadcrumbs for an extra layer.
- Flavor Variations: You can customize the seasoning to your taste. Try adding chili powder, cumin, or Italian herbs for different flavor profiles.
This Crispy Cauliflower is perfect for those who love crispy textures and bold flavors. Whether you serve it as a snack or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
