Crispy Cauliflower Fritters with Lemon Dill Yogurt and Spiced Sesame Salad

Ingredients

• •1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
• •1 cup all-purpose flour
• •2 large eggs, beaten
• •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• •1 teaspoon ground cumin
• •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• •1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• •Salt and pepper to taste
• •1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• •1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• •Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• •2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• •1 teaspoon ground sumac
• •4 cups mixed salad greens
• •1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• •1/4 cup olive oil
• •Vegetable oil for frying (approx. 1.5 cups)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the cauliflower by cutting it into small florets and steaming them until just tender, about 5-6 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed cauliflower, flour, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash the mixture lightly with a fork, leaving some small chunks of cauliflower for texture.

3. 3

   Shape the cauliflower mixture into small fritters or patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Set aside on a plate while you heat the oil.

4. 4

   In a deep skillet, heat about 1.5 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the fritters in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. 5

   To make the lemon dill yogurt, whisk together the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

6. 6

   For the spiced sesame salad, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and aromatic, about 2 minutes. In a large bowl, toss the mixed salad greens and cucumber slices with olive oil, ground sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Serve the crispy cauliflower fritters warm alongside the lemon dill yogurt for dipping and the spiced sesame salad on the side. Garnish with additional dill or sesame seeds if desired.