Bites and Pieces

Jessica Koynock

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that is low in saturated fat and high in protein and fiber. Grab some fresh cauliflower, plenty of spices and head to the kitchen. The possibilities are endless. Backdrop has a few original recipes to get you started!

Vegan Cauliflower Wings

Prep Time: 15 minutes I Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• One head of cauliflower

• 1 cup crispy bread crumbs

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder.

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Chopped scallions (for garnish)

Sauce: 

• 4 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

*For vegan, look out for vegan bread crumbs.

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 F degrees. Line pan with aluminum foil. Cut cauliflower florets from stem into wing size bites. Place bread crumbs in a medium sized bowl. Whisk together remaining wing ingredients to make batter. Toss the cauliflower bites in batter. Shake off excess batter and coat completely with breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes. Whisk sauce ingredients together in small bowl. Remove from oven and brush sesame sauce on wing bites. Enjoy! 

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• One head of cauliflower

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes

• Lemon juice

Spice Blend:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

Directions: Trim the leaves from the base of the cauliflower. Cut the stem allowing the cauliflower to stand without support. Preheat oven to 375. In a stock pot large enough to hold the whole cauliflower, bring water to boil. Add a pinch of salt to water for flavor. Boil cauliflower for approximately 10 minutes before gently transferring to an oven-safe dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with spice blend and minced garlic. Roast for 15 minutes or until lightly browned Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta. Drizzle with lemon juice and enjoy! For some extra flavor try with Tahini Sauce.

*For vegan, replace feta cheese with almond flakes for more protein.

Tahini Sauce Recipe

•  2 tablespoons Tahini

• 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1 tablespoon warm water

Directions: In small jar, combine ingredients and shake. If necessary, add more water to thin. Put in small jar for dipping or drizzle over dish.