These nuggets are loved by kids and adults alike—mainly because the flavors take you back to a fast-food favorite in just one bite. The extra serving of veggies is just an added bonus! Plus, by baking instead of frying, we’re making them even healthier (and just as crispy).
Serves: 2
Yield: 3 cups
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
- 1 cup almond meal
- 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk of choice (coconut, almond, oat)
- 1/2 cup oat flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- Unrefined sea salt and black pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine the almond meal, paprika, cumin, and turmeric in a medium bowl to make a crumbly mixture.
- Mix the plant-based milk and oat flour in another bowl to make the batter. Mix well.
- Coat the cauliflower florets in the flour batter, a few at a time, then toss in the almond meal spice mix, coating well.
- Place the cauliflower on the lined baking tray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Is cauliflower supposed to be crunchy?
Cauliflower can be crunchy, but it depends on how it is cooked. If you are cooking cauliflower to be crunchy, you will need to cook it quickly at a high temperature. This will help to preserve the moisture in the cauliflower and prevent it from becoming mushy. Some popular ways to cook crunchy cauliflower include:
- Roasting: Roasting cauliflower at a high temperature will help to create a crispy exterior. You can roast cauliflower whole, or cut it into florets.natashaskitchen.com Roasted cauliflower
- Air frying: Air frying is another great way to cook crunchy cauliflower. This method is similar to roasting, but it uses hot air to cook the cauliflower. littlesunnykitchen.comAir fried cauliflower
- Baking: Baking cauliflower at a high temperature will also create a crispy exterior. You can bake cauliflower whole, or cut it into florets. natashaskitchen.com Baked cauliflower
If you are not cooking cauliflower to be crunchy, you can cook it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This will help to soften the cauliflower and make it more tender. Some popular ways to cook tender cauliflower include:
- Steaming: Steaming is a great way to cook cauliflower without losing any of its nutrients.www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com Steamed cauliflower
- Sautéing: Sautéing cauliflower in a pan with a little bit of oil will help to cook it quickly and evenly. healthyrecipesblogs.com Sauteed cauliflower
- Microwaving: Microwaving cauliflower is a quick and easy way to cook it. healthyrecipesblogs.com Microwaved cauliflower
No matter how you choose to cook cauliflower, it is a versatile and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Why is my baked cauliflower soggy?
There are a few reasons why your baked cauliflower might be soggy. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: If you crowd the baking sheet, the cauliflower will steam instead of roast, and your cauliflower will end up mushy. Make sure to leave enough space between the florets so that they have room to cook evenly.
- Using too much oil: Using too much oil will also make your cauliflower soggy. A light coating of oil is all you need to help the cauliflower caramelize.
- Not cooking it long enough: If you don’t cook the cauliflower long enough, it will be undercooked and soggy. Bake the cauliflower at a high temperature for 25-30 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly browned.
- Not preheating the oven: Not preheating the oven will also make your cauliflower soggy. Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before you start cooking.
Here are some tips to help you avoid soggy baked cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
- Drizzle the cauliflower with a light coating of olive oil.
- Season the cauliflower with salt and pepper.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly browned.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to have crispy, delicious baked cauliflower every time!