Crispy Fried Cauliflower with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Transform ordinary cauliflower into a delightful crispy treat that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish! This golden-brown fried cauliflower recipe, served with a creamy yogurt sauce, will make you fall in love with this versatile vegetable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crispy exterior with tender cauliflower inside
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
• Versatile serving options – great as an appetizer or side dish
• Ready in just 40 minutes
• Serves 4 people
• Each serving contains 223 calories

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium cauliflower head
• 5 cups hot water
• 1 tablespoon flour (for boiling)

For the Batter:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons flour

For Frying:

• 1 cup vegetable oil

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• Fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes and olive oil for garnish

Kitchen Tools

• Large pot for boiling
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Large frying pan
• Paper towels
• Serving plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower

1. Clean the cauliflower and remove the tough stem and green leaves.
2. Cut into medium-sized florets.
3. In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon flour.
4. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 6-8 minutes until slightly tender but still firm.
5. Drain and set aside.

Making the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, combine milk, eggs, flour, and salt.
2. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.

Frying the Cauliflower

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, ensuring even coating.
3. Carefully place in hot oil.
4. Fry until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt and minced garlic.
2. Add finely chopped fresh dill and salt to taste.
3. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (test with a small drop of batter).
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
• The batter should be completely smooth for the best coating.
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, you can add sparkling water to the batter mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with the prepared garlic yogurt sauce.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
• Can be paired with grilled meats or served as part of a vegetarian meal.

Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed immediately while crispy.
• If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Variations

• Add different spices to the batter for variety (cumin, paprika, or black pepper).
• Try different dipping sauces like tahini sauce or spicy aioli.
• For a healthier version, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 223 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Note: To minimize cauliflower odor while cooking, add a tablespoon of flour to the boiling water. This helps reduce the strong smell and makes the vegetable more digestible.

Enjoy this delicious crispy fried cauliflower recipe, and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out in the comments below!