Cauliflower Pancakes
I always seem to have leftover roasted cauliflower from the night before, because we are only 2 people.
Sometimes I mash it with some Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of heavy cream and 1 tbsp of butter because I am not a mashed potato girl. It's a healthier, lighter side dish to roasts, etc.
Well, this a.m., I decided to make cauliflower pancakes w/ the leftover mashed cauliflower from last night's delicious pot roast dinner.
If you don't have leftover cauliflower, I will tell you how to do it from scratch.
These were so good.
Don't skip the Pimenton (which is Spanish SMOKED paprika), or Piment Espelette (which is a Basque smoky pepper) it makes these pancakes special and gives them a kick.
If you don't have either, you can use cumin, which is always nice.
Cauliflower Pancakes: (makes 8 pancakes)
1/2 a large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 eggs
handful of chopped scallions
1 tbsp fresh snipped chives
3 tbsp freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
salt & pepper
1 tbsp Pimenton (smoked paprika), Piment Espelette or cumin
olive oil & butter
On a large rimmed baking sheet, lay out the florets and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle liberally w/ kosher salt.
Roast in a 400F oven for about 20-25 minutes until there is some caramelization.
Alternatively, you can also boil the cauliflower for 15 minutes in salted water if you don't feel like roasting.
Remove from the oven and transfer the roasted cauliflower to a big bowl.
Mash with a potato masher (like you would mashed potatoes), or use an immersion blender for a finer puree (I like chunks of cauliflower, so I mash it by hand).
Add a tablespoon of butter just to make it nice and smooth and a bit richer.
Season w/ salt & pepper and the pimenton.
Add the cheese and chives, and mix in the eggs.
This is your batter.
In a non-stick skillet, heat some olive oil and drop tablespoons of batter into the hot pan.
Fry for a minute on each side.
Drain on paper towels and serve.
You can make a dipping sauce of yogurt and herbs if you like, and I know some of you like "Ranch" dressing (ew), so dip away.
Delicious!
Comments
You always have such fantastic ideas on what to do with leftover vegetables Stacey. I will have to try this.
I started making mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes a few years ago, after having a delicious meal with mashed cauliflower at my brother's house in Seattle. When he served the dish, it looked a little like polenta. He told me to try it & guess what it was. Needless to say, I couldn't guess, but since that time make it regularly. However, I'll set some aside and try these delicious-looking pancakes. Thanks. :)