Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Cauliflower Zucchini Tater Tots #recipe from author @DarylWoodGerber


 From Daryl:

As many of you know, I like looking for recipes online. I own lots of cookbooks, but there are plenty of adventuresome cooks in the Internet world, creating recipes my cookbooks don't hold. So I browse...because I need inspiration.

I had purchased a head of cauliflower and thought What should I do with this? Steamed cauliflower doesn't have punch. It's nice with shaved parmesan and butter, but what more could I do? While pondering, I also wondered if I could find something that my grandkids would enjoy.

I love finding ways to promote eating vegetables. The kids love french fries. They adore tater tots. Will they eat the green stuff?  Most of them will, but sometimes it needs to be disguised. And what better way than disguising the green (or white) stuff as one of their favorite foods?
I found this recipe on SOUTHERN PARM. It wasn't gluten-free, so I tweaked it to conform. And I added the zucchini to add the green.

Cauliflower zucchini “tater tots”
Makes 45-48

2 cups zucchini, grated (2 large zucchini)
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups cauliflower (1 head of cauliflower)
1 egg
1 cup breadcrumbs  (*gluten-free bread crumbs or panko may be used, or crushed GF rice cereal)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
canola oil for baking sheet

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush with canola oil.

In a food processor or with a vegetable chopper, chop the zucchini. Set in a bowl and add the 2 teaspoons of salt. Allow this to sit so the water in the zucchini will “release.”  More on this later.

Bring a pot of water to boil.  Meanwhile cut the cauliflower to make florets, removing all the leaves.  Add the florets to the boiling water and cook 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. 

While the cauliflower is cooking, pour grated zucchini into a kitchen towel. (It will stain. You will need to wash the towel in the laundry.) You can also do this using highly absorbent paper towels. Squeeze the zucchini until the moisture is gone.

When the cauliflower is cooked, drain. Add to the food processor and pulse lightly. You may chop with a food chopper or with a knife, too.

In a large bowl, mix the egg, breadcrumbs (I used gluten-free panko), Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Add the cauliflower and drained zucchini.

In small amounts, about half a tablespoon or enough to create a walnut, form the tater tots.  Place on the prepared baking sheet. They can be close. They do not spread. * Don’t make them too large or they won’t cook through.

When all are formed, place the baking sheet in freezer (or refrigerator) for 10 minutes so they can “set.” 

Cook the tots for 30-35 minutes, turning them halfway through. You’ll need tongs or bare fingers that can take the heat. Mine are plenty used to taking the heat.  :)  

 When they’re done and crispy, remove from oven. Serve with dipping sauces. Enjoy.

*Whether you are looking for a healthy alternative or just want to trick your children into eating more vegetables, these Cauliflower Zucchini Tater Tots will be a big hit!

This is the squeezing process.  Paper towels should do the trick. Don't ruin a towel.



Don't forget to order the first book in my new Fairy Garden mystery series, 
A SPRINKLING OF MURDER, coming June 2020.
You can read all about it and order it on various sites 
on my website HERE
Plus I've posted a few of my fairy gardens.


And here are a few of my other books...


Order FAN MAIL, the second in series, trade paperback and e-book: HERE




Order SIFTING THROUGH CLUES, the 8th Cookbook Nook Mystery, trade paperback and e-book HERE

SAVOR THE MYSTERY!
 
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8 comments:

  1. I am deeply intrigued with this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a clever idea. And baked, not fried.
    Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I bet my granddaughter would like these! I imagine you could make them in an air fryer in several batches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never used an air fryer but I would assume so, Peg. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  4. I would eat this for sure, but wonder if my hubby would..lol that is the ? I give it a yum..Thanks! nani_geplcs@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete