Cauliflower Cakes
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Vegetable cakes are a unique way to serve a side dish that adds a flavorful twist to a meal. They brown nicely and end up with a great crispy exterior and a creamy interior. These would also make great appetizers to tapas done in a bite size. The cauliflower gives these cakes a texture much like crabs cakes. Here we served them with some lemon and our Tzatziki Sauce.
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MAKES: 4 Servings
PREP/COOK TIME: 30 Minutes plus chilling time
INGREDIENTS
1 head cauliflower (2 pounds)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon pepper
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon green brined peppercorns, minced(more to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Lemon wedges for serving
Tzatziki Sauce for serving
DIRECTIONS
Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat to 450 degrees. Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, turmeric, coriander, salt, ginger and pepper. Transfer to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Roast until cauliflower is well browned and tender, about 25 minutes.
Transfer roasted cauliflower to a bowl and let cool slightly. Mash cauliflower coarse with a potato masher. Stir in goat cheese, scallions, egg, garlic, green peppercorns, and lemon zest until well combined.
Sprinkle the mixture with the flour and stir to incorporate. Using wet hands, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, and pack gently into 3/4 inch thick cakes, and place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 45 minutes.
Line a plate with paper towels. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a well seasoned cast iron skillet or a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Gently lay cakes in skillet and cook until deep golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Drain cakes briefly on the paper towels. Transfer to a serving plater with lemon wedges and the tzatziki sauce, if desired.
