Cauliflower-and-Cumin Fritters

|
Serving size:4
Total Time:
Cauliflower-and-Cumin Fritters

"These are not your usual fritters," says cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi. His are pancake-like, packed with cauliflower and spiced with cinnamon, cumin and turmeric. As a dipping sauce, he serves lime-spiked Greek yogurt.

Lime Sauce

  • 11/3 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  1. Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Taste—the flavor should be vibrant, tart and citrusy—and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Chill or leave at room temperature for up to 1 hour.

    Fritters

    • 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley, plus whole leaves for garnish
    • About 2 cups sunflower oil, for frying
    • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
    • 11/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp turmeric
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 11/2 tsp ground cumin
    • 4 eggs, preferably organic
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 2 shallots, finely chopped ( 1/4 cup)
    • Scant 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 small cauliflower, about 3/4 pound, cut into little florets
    1. Add the florets to a saucepan of salted boiling water. Simmer until very soft, 15 minutes; drain.
    2. Meanwhile, put the flour, chopped parsley, shallots, garlic, eggs, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk to make a smooth batter. Add the warm cauliflower. Mix, smashing the cauliflower into the batter with the back of a wooden spoon.
    3. In a wide skillet, heat 2/3 inch of oil over high heat until very hot. Working in batches, spoon in the cauliflower mixture, allowing 3 tablespoons per fritter. Separate the fritters with a fish spatula. Fry in small batches, adjusting the heat so the fritters cook but don't burn. They should take 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
    4. Drain the fritters well on paper towels. Garnish with the parsley leaves and serve hot or warm with the lime sauce.

    America's Best Brunch Spots
    Best Chicken Dishes in the U.S.
    Best Ethnic Food in the U.S.
    Best Burgers in the U.S.
    America's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Recipe Credit: Yotam Ottolenghi
    Image Credit: John Kernick