Cauliflower popcorn

           Vegetarians favorite veggies is cauliflower (mine too). Any appetizer prepared using it is a great hit in any parties. I love to order gobi manchurian whenever I visit any restaurants. Sometimes, I feel bored to see same gobi 65,gobi chili, gobi manchurian in any parties. When I was searching for something new, I came across this recipe and it was my new appetizer which I make often in any parties or get together in home. Kids love it( thinking it as chicken nuggets,but it won’t disappoint them when they try).  To make it more flavorful, I make a special powder to sprinkle on top while serving.

Ingredients:

Cauliflower - 2 cup

Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp

Onion powder - 1/2 tsp

Pepper powder - 1 tsp

Salt - as per taste (1 tsp)

All purpose flour/ maida - 3 tbsp

Corn flour - 3 tbsp

Batter:

All purpose flour- 4 tbsp

Corn flour - 4 tbsp

Salt - 1 tsp

Soya sauce - 1 tsp

Water       -   1/2-3/4 cup water

Bread crumbs - 1 cup

Powder:

Onion powder                 -  1/2 tsp

Garlic powder                 -   1/2 cup

Black pepper powder     -    1 tsp

Salt                                 -     1/2 tsp

Powdered sugar              -  1 tsp

Chaat masala                 -  1 tsp

Red chili powder           -   1 tsp

Recipe:

1️⃣  Blanch the cauliflower florets in hot water till they are cooked 3/4. ( this makes the insect get killed in hot water and also removes the raw smell in cauliflower)

2️⃣ In a bowl, add the blanched cauliflower, garlic powder, onion powder( use 1 tsp ginger garlic paste instead), black pepper powder,salt, all purpose flour and corn flour. Mix well,so the flavor is mixed on top and inside the cauliflower. ( this is done to infuse flavor inside cauliflower)

3️⃣ Remove the coated cauliflower aside and in same bowl, add all purpose flour , corn flour, salt and soya sauce ( I used dark soya sauce to get that dark color). Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup water and mix the batter to medium thin batter( The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower and helps bread crumbs stick to it).

4️⃣ Take marinated cauliflower in a bowl, batter in another bowl and bread crumbs in another bowl( you can use crushed sweetness corn flakes along with bread crumbs or as it instead of bread crumbs). Take one piece cauliflower and dip in batter and coat the cauliflower with bread crumbs.( I used seasoned bread crumb with panko bread crumbs for flavorful textured coating, you add garlic powder and onion powder,if seasoned bread crumbs not available). Repeat same step to all cauliflower.

5️⃣ Keep coated cauliflower in fridge for 30 minutes( this helps the bread crumbs to stick to cauliflower and it become bit hard and it won’t fall off when dropped in hot oil).

6️⃣ Heat the oil and drop coated cauliflower one by one and cook till it is crispy outside . 

7️⃣ Prepare the special powder by mixing all ingredients given under powder ingredients section and keep it ready.

8️⃣While serving, sprinkle the powder on hot hot cauliflower popcorn .( This gives the flavored popcorn taste)

  I prepared this cauliflower popcorn many times in home and in home function. It is great party snack to satisfy a vegetarian and also vegans. The cauliflower can be coated and stored in fridge ahead and deep fried on any party day. Also we can store this powder and use it for any fried appetizer.