Cauliflower patties are a delightful, wholesome, and versatile vegan dish that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. These patties offer a perfect balance of crispy texture and savory flavors, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional meat-based patties.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a light lunch, or a creative addition to your dinner plate, cauliflower patties deliver on all fronts. They are packed with nutrients, gluten-free, and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Plus, this recipe is straightforward and quick, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious vegan cauliflower patties. Along the way, I’ll share tips to get the best texture and flavor, suggest variations, and offer serving ideas.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out other plant-based delights like Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes and Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for more inspiration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cauliflower patties are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The patties come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a delightful contrast in every bite.
They’re naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Additionally, cauliflower is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins, so these patties are a guilt-free treat.
Plus, you can customize the seasoning to suit your taste, from spicy to herbaceous.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more veggies to your plate, these patties will quickly become a favorite. They’re perfect for meal prep, freeze well, and reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated or finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (also called gram flour or besan)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp chili flakes for heat
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or box grater (for grating cauliflower)
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or flat turner
- Cooling rack or paper towels
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the leaves and core from the cauliflower head. Using a food processor or a box grater, grate the cauliflower into fine rice-sized pieces. Avoid pulsing too much if using a food processor to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Cook the cauliflower: Transfer the grated cauliflower to a large pan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the moisture reduces and the cauliflower softens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Remove excess moisture: Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze gently to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to help the patties hold together.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, even-sized patties about 2-3 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more chickpea flour to help bind it.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Drain and cool: Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm: Enjoy immediately or let cool completely before storing.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, removing excess moisture from the cauliflower is key—don’t skip this step!”
- Make it gluten-free: Chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, but ensure your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Spice it up: Add fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder for some heat.
- Herbs and flavors: Swap parsley for cilantro, basil, or dill for different flavor profiles.
- Baking option: For a lighter version, bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Binding alternatives: If chickpea flour isn’t available, you can try oat flour or ground flaxseeds mixed with water.
- Make it cheesy: Add vegan cheese shreds or a bit more nutritional yeast.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Patty (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 90 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 9 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 2 g |
Iron | 1 mg |
Calcium | 30 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These cauliflower patties are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces. Serve them on a bed of fresh greens with a drizzle of tahini dressing for a light meal.
You can also place them in a bun with vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a delicious sandwich.
Try them alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty dinner. For dipping, consider vegan aioli, spicy ketchup, or a cool cucumber yogurt sauce made from plant-based yogurt.
Looking for more healthy appetizer ideas? Check out Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or try the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for a non-vegan protein option.
Conclusion
Cauliflower patties are an easy, nutritious, and satisfying vegan dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables with a crispy texture and bold flavors that please even non-vegan eaters.
With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that fits a variety of dietary needs.
Whether you bake or pan-fry them, these patties hold up well and can be enjoyed immediately or saved for later meals. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices to make this recipe your own.
For more creative vegan recipes, be sure to visit our posts on Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food and Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your flavorful cauliflower patties!
📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Patties Recipe Vegan
Description: These vegan cauliflower patties are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect as a snack or side dish. Made with simple ingredients, they are healthy and flavorful.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 patties
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Mash the steamed cauliflower in a bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Mix well until a dough forms that holds together.
- Form the mixture into 6 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from pan and drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 15 g
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