Cauliflower Wings — it’s a thing
“Laughter is brightest, where food is best!” — Irish proverb
Calling all chicken wing lovers! Now that I have your attention, let’s talk lip-smacking wings. That deep-fried, bread-battered, sauce-smothered greasy goodness. A menu item that’s as widely popular as french fries. I wonder, if I took a poll, would french fries or chicken wings take the win?
Chicken wings are a staple of southern cooking and on every chain restaurant menu. God forbid they’re not on a sports bar menu — sacrilege! I don’t want to think about the number of wings consumed during Super Bowl weekend.
That got me thinking; given that the larger meat portion of a chicken is the breast and leg, where on earth did the idea come from to take a wing, a bitesize amount of meat, and turn into one of the most popular pub foods?
The recipes for different flavours are endless.
According to the National Chicken Institute (yes, it’s a thing), the whole concept of cooking chicken wings in hot sauce is said to have happened in 1965 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York.
“Co-owner Teressa Bellissimo cooked leftover wings in hot sauce as a late-night snack for her son and friends. They guys like them so much that the Bellissimos put them on the menu the next day. Served with celery slices blue cheese sauce.”
To no surprise, beer sales went through the roof when customers paired it with an order of wings. Go figure.
“I have the right to life, liberty and chicken wings.” — Mindy Kaling
Cauliflower Wings are extremely versatile. They can be cooked to your liking with regard to spiciness and flavour.
I’m not going to pretend I know all about wings and the best way to cook them; it’s not something I eat often, given the grease and fat. And darn that instant regret feeling. Mind you, if I’m indulging in a few wobbly pops you wouldn’t have to twist my arm too much to munch on a few — they certainly satisfy that salt craving.
Here’s your introduction to a fabulous healthier option, Cauliflower Wings.
I’m going to use the original Buffalo wing recipe originated by the Bellissimos. Don’t snuff up your nose just yet. I wouldn’t lead your taste buds astray, promise. Two wings have a high fat and calorie content, and who can eat only two? Your tastebuds and heart will thank you for this idea.
Cauliflower Wings are great for snack time, a party appetizer and they’re deadly for hockey night — as they, too, pair well with beer. It’s a healthier option without compromising great taste. The most wonderful reason: you feel like you’re cheating with all the flavour and goodness.
They’re super easy to make, filling, tasty and healthy —what’s not to love? My recipe of choice is Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower from Daydream Kitchen. Google it.
You simply break down the cauliflower to bite-size pieces, dip in the sauce, bake in the oven, brush on the sauce coating and put them back in the oven for another few minutes.
A few tips I’ve learned along the way: don’t cut down on the steps. Don’t coat them too much, just enough for the batter to form around the cauliflower.
If not it gets goopy and clumpy and you don’t get the desired texture and taste. I also bake them for a little longer to create a nice crunch.
Cauliflower Wings are obviously a great treat for vegetarians and for a gluten-free option if you use rice flour.
For hot sauce, I prefer sriracha. It adds great flavour in addition to being a little hot (not overly hot). Perhaps I haven’t been introduced to the right hot sauce yet?
Cauliflower Wings are extremely versatile.
They can be cooked to your liking with regard to spiciness and flavour. Let me walk you through some options: honey lime sriracha glazed cauliflower wings (sweet and salty combo); crispy sesame cauliflower wings; roasted sriracha cheese cauliflower wings; sticky honey sriracha cauliflower wings (saucy fingers); and Buffalo cauliflower wings (original).
I’m not a lover of condiments, as I typically like to taste the food on my plate; however, I do enjoy a good dipping sauce with my “wings.” A tasty dip for these babies is either ranch or blue cheese.
There ain’t no thang like a cauliflower wing! Don’t knock it until you try it, fellow foodies. Cauliflower wings are definitely fit to eat.