Sublime cauliflower fritto misto
Make the chili sauce ahead and reheat over low heat just before serving. Have all the other ingredients prepped and ready, oil heated to temperature, and the rest goes quickly.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2to3 cups ice-cold soda water
2 heads cauliflower, about 4 pounds, cut into florets
4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
Sweet chili sauce (See recipe)
1 teaspoon white sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish
2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
1. Combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of the soda water and mix just until it is incorporated. Do not overmix; batter may be lumpy. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add the remaining soda water until the batter is the consistency of syrup.
2. Separate the cauliflower florets by breaking them apart by hand. Heat oil to 350 degrees F in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
3. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter until they are evenly coated. Deep-fry them in batches so as not to crowd pan, until brown and crispy. Drain well on paper towels.
4. Toss the cauliflower with the sweet chili sauce, and garnish with the sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve at once.
Makes 8 appetizer servings
Nutrition information per 1 serving,
including sweet chili sauce: 215 calories, 17% calories from fat, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 40g carbohydrates, 12g total sugar, 8g added sugar, 6g protein, 216mg sodium, 5g fiber
Sweet chili sauce
1⁄3 cup water
4 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons crushed red chili flakes
1⁄3 cup white wine vinegar
1⁄3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
Combine water, garlic and chili flakes in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the vinegar, sugar and paprika. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and is the consistency of syrup.
Makes about ½ cup
Nutrition information per 1 tablespoon:
42 calories, 0% calories from fat, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 9g carbohydrates, 8g total sugar, 8g added sugar, 0g protein, 0mg sodium, 0g fiber