Popcorn Cauliflower Bites

By Leite's Culinaria

Ingredients

2 cups chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
One (1 1/2 lbs) cauliflower (broken into bite-sized florets)
Mild vegetable oil (for frying)
Garlic mayonnaise

Prep Time20mins
Cook Time20mins
Servings8

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, paprika, oregano, garlic salt, and milk together until you have a smooth batter. Place the panko in a separate bowl.

Dip the cauliflower florets in the batter, allow excess to drip off, then roll them in the breadcrumbs to evenly coat. Place on a large plate or baking sheet while the oil heats.

Fill a wok or deep frying pan with about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil and place over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering and has reached 300°F, working in a few batches, carefully add the cauliflower florets. They should start to sizzle instantly when they hit the hot oil.

Fry until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Repeat with the remaining cauliflower florets.

Serve with garlic mayonnaise, ketchup, or chile mayonnaise to dip into or finish with a squeeze of lemon.