Zesty Cauliflower Bites with Herb-Infused Za'atar Aioli
Indulge in these delectable and crunchy cauliflower bites that are perfectly spiced, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Crafted from tender cauliflower and enhanced with the warmth of Aleppo pepper, these mini latkes are not just visually appealing but also pack a spicy punch. Paired with a smooth, herbaceous za'atar aioli, they make for a perfect appetizer or party snack. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as a flavorful snack, these bites are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance, making your cooking anxiety-free. Enjoy a burst of Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower florets
7.5 cups (from 2 medium heads, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch florets)
Garlic cloves
3 (2 finely chopped, and 1 peeled for aioli)
Fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh dill
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fine dry unseasoned breadcrumbs or matzo meal
1/2 cup (for latkes; additionally, 2 tablespoons for coating)
Baking powder
1.5 teaspoons
Salt
3/4 teaspoon
Ground Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Large eggs
2-3 (as needed for binding)
Olive oil
as needed (for frying (not extra-virgin))
Mayonnaise
1 cup
Fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Za'atar spice mix
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
2
Add 2 chopped garlic cloves and half of the cooked cauliflower to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
3
Incorporate the remaining cauliflower along with the fresh parsley and dill. Pulse until the mixture is slightly chunky rather than completely smooth.
4
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in breadcrumbs (or matzo meal), baking powder, salt, Aleppo pepper, and black pepper.
5
In a small bowl, beat 2 eggs, then mix them into the cauliflower batter. If the mixture appears dry, beat an additional egg and mix it in by tablespoonfuls until you achieve a moist, thick batter that holds together.
6
For best flavor, this batter can be prepared a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until ready to cook.
7
In a heavy skillet, heat enough olive oil over medium-high heat to generously coat the bottom of the pan.
8
Working in batches, drop tablespoonfuls of the batter into the skillet, flattening them slightly into 1.5-inch rounds. Fry until golden brown, around 2 minutes per side, adding more oil as necessary.
9
Transfer the cooked latkes to a rimmed baking sheet. They can be made ahead of time and left to stand at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
10
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the latkes in the oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
11
While the latkes are warming, prepare the za'atar aioli by placing one peeled garlic clove in a food processor. Chop finely while the machine is running.
12
Add the mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice to the processor. With the motor running, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
13
Transfer the aioli to a small bowl, whisk in the za'atar spice mix, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it stand for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
14
Serve the latkes warm alongside the za'atar aioli, or simply sprinkle with za'atar for an extra flavor kick!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Cauliflower Bites with Herb-Infused Za'atar Aioli?
They are spiced, crunchy cauliflower mini latkes served with a smooth, herbaceous Middle Eastern-inspired dipping sauce.
Is this cauliflower recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cauliflower, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for the batter?
Cook the florets in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until very tender, then drain and cool slightly before processing.
Should the cauliflower be completely smooth when blended?
No, half should be blended smooth with garlic, while the other half and herbs should be pulsed to keep the mixture slightly chunky.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can use matzo meal as a direct substitute for the dry unseasoned breadcrumbs in this recipe.
What is Aleppo pepper and can I substitute it?
Aleppo pepper is a mild Middle Eastern spice; you can substitute it with crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer.
How many eggs are needed for the cauliflower bites?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 eggs, added as needed until the batter is moist and thick enough to hold its shape.
Can I make the cauliflower batter in advance?
Yes, the batter can be prepared one day in advance, covered, and refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
What type of oil should I use for frying the bites?
Use standard olive oil for frying. Avoid using extra virgin olive oil for the frying step as it has a lower smoke point.
How large should the cauliflower latkes be?
Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten them into roughly 1.5-inch rounds.
How long do I need to fry each cauliflower bite?
Fry them for about 2 minutes per side until they reach a golden brown color.
Can I cook these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, they can be fried and left at room temperature for up to 2 hours before reheating in the oven.
What is the final reheating process before serving?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the latkes for 10 minutes until they are heated through.
How do I make the Za'atar Aioli?
Process garlic, mayonnaise, and lemon juice, then gradually drizzle in extra virgin olive oil before whisking in the za'atar spice mix.
Why should the aioli sit for 30 minutes before serving?
Allowing it to stand helps the flavors of the za'atar and garlic meld and enhance the overall taste of the sauce.
What herbs are used in the cauliflower batter?
The recipe uses fresh Italian parsley and fresh dill to provide a bright, herbal flavor profile.
How much cauliflower do I need to buy?
You will need approximately 2 medium heads of cauliflower to get the required 7.5 cups of florets.
What is Za'atar spice mix?
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically containing dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds.
How do I ensure the aioli is creamy?
The key is to drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the food processor very gradually while the motor is running.
What should I do if my batter is too dry?
Beat an additional egg and mix it into the batter one tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together well.
How much garlic is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cloves total: 2 for the cauliflower batter and 1 for the za'atar aioli.
Is the aioli base made from scratch?
The aioli uses a mayonnaise base which is then enhanced with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can I serve these cauliflower bites cold?
They are best served warm after being reheated in the oven, though they can be eaten at room temperature.
Does this recipe include baking powder?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder are added to the dry ingredients to help the bites puff slightly.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the bites warm with the aioli on the side, or sprinkle them with extra za'atar for a flavor boost.
How much lemon juice is needed for the aioli?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, but frozen could be used if thoroughly drained and dried after cooking.
What is the texture of these bites?
They are designed to be crunchy on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside.
How much salt is in the batter?
The batter contains 3/4 teaspoon of salt, plus any salt used in the cauliflower boiling water.
Is this a good party snack?
Yes, their small size and make-ahead potential make them an ideal appetizer or snack for holiday gatherings.