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.
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...
SAVOR THE MYSTERY!
Friend
Daryl and Avery on Facebook
Follow Daryl on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow both of us on Pinterest
Plus check out my website
Follow Daryl on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow both of us on Pinterest
Plus check out my website
Follow Daryl on Bookbub
I am deeply intrigued with this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteOh cool. They were so tasty! Loved them. ~ Daryl
DeleteWhat a clever idea. And baked, not fried.
ReplyDeleteWell done.
Thanks, Libby. I love your praise. :) ~ Daryl
DeleteI bet my granddaughter would like these! I imagine you could make them in an air fryer in several batches.
ReplyDeleteI've never used an air fryer but I would assume so, Peg. ~ Daryl
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteHa! Sheryl, always the question. LOL ~ Daryl
Delete