The new craze is cauliflower i.e., the new gluten free white flour. Recipes like cauliflower pizza crust, tacos, biscuits, and cheese sticks are flooding internet posts leaps and bounds, it seems.
Cauliflower is a favourite vegetable of mine. Both my kids have opted for a gluten free diet, at this date anyway. So when I come across healthy veg options for some of their favourite foods, it’s a no brainer, I share.
But I’m not Gluten Free…why Cauliflower?
I was telling my sister about a wonderful pizza crust made with cooked ground and drained cauliflower, parmesan, egg, and that’s about it. Her reply was, “but I’m not gluten free”. My response was but you love the taste of broccoli and cauliflower cheese squares? This is not just a gluten free option, but also one that just tastes real good. I guess when you look at it, you’re swapping out wheat, rye, or barley flours for salty and fat cheese. There are health issues with both, and they also supply us with beneficial nutrients. Makes one think.
My contribution to the cauliflower recipe trends are these mouth watering cauliflower burgers. They are made with Middle Eastern spices and yes to hold and bind it altogether, cheese. These are so delicious; you won’t miss your favourite meat patty one little bit. This recipe makes around 8 burgers to freeze, pull out and quickly heat in the microwave or toaster oven. They prove to be an enjoyable fast dinner or lunch. I top them with some sriacha mayo and cherry tomatoes with olives on the side. Fill your favourite bun or just bake up a side of baked sweet potato fries and serve with a salad. So why not use your head…of cauliflower that is.
Uncooked Cauliflower Patties
Savoury Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Burgers 6 to 8 burgers
1 head cauliflower (about 6 cups florets) 6 whole garlic cloves 1 large red onion, cut into eights 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, ground 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, whole 1 cup cooked quinoa 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion flakes or powder ¾ cup breadcrumbs or ground almonds ¾ cup shredded cheese, like a blend of provolone, Parmesan, mozzarella, and gouda 2 large eggs Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Put cauliflower, red onion, and garlic cloves on a roasting pan or baking sheet.
Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, cumin seeds, and coriander powder.
Roast for 20-30 minutes. Let cool.
Place into food processor and pulse into rough small pieces, but not pureed.
Combine the cooked, pulsed cauliflower mixture with the quinoa, garlic and onion powder, breadcrumbs or almond meal, cheese blend, eggs, salt, and season with a little salt and freshly ground pepper.
Form about ½ cup of the mixture into a burger and repeat until about you have formed about 7 to 8 patties.
Place back onto the greased roasting pan at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve as a patty or in a fresh bun with spicy mayo, pesto, tomatoes, with a side of coleslaw or kale salad.
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