Doug Cooking's Recipe: Breaded Cauliflower Bites in Bulgarian Honey Glaze
By Doug Heilman
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- One of my mottos: Cook and eat curiously. Over the next few weeks, we are featuring several high-quality European ingredients to expand our culinary repertoire in the PTL kitchen. We will be using these exclusive products to take our recipes to a next-level.
Today, we have a Gold Quality European Organic Honey from Bulgaria that I am excited to use. Just like having different vinegars, salts, or oils in your pantry, there is such a flavor range of honey, and they can offer a difference in floral/herbaceous notes, or even sourness with the natural sweetness, based on where the bees collected the pollen. Kind of like the terroir (Tāre-wa, characteristics of place) of wine.
Breaded Cauliflower Bites in Bulgarian Honey Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Cauliflower (2.5-3 lbs)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 cup Plain bread crumbs
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1 Lemon (zest & juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut cauliflower into bite size florets, and place cauliflower florets into a large bowl. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add two eggs, two tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk to combine.
In a wide shallow bowl, add 1 cup Panko and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Using a fork, toss to evenly coat the crumbs with oil. Add an additional 1 cup of dry plain breadcrumbs to Panko and toss again.
Pour the egg/mayonnaise mixture over the cauliflower and toss with a rubber spatula to evenly coat the pieces. Dredged the cauliflower florets, just a few pieces at a time, through the breadcrumbs then place on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with parchment. Be sure to form an even layer for good browning. Bake cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup (about 6 tablespoons) honey along with 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 tsp each ground Ginger & Turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon Chili flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk to combine.
Place the crispy cauliflower bites into the bowl with the honey mixture, tossing gently. Transfer cauliflower to a serving platter and top with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy!
Note: The cauliflower bites can be held in a 200°F oven after baking for 10-15 mins., until ready to toss in glaze and serve.