Make Ahead

Cauliflower Frito Misto with Spaghetti d'olio

by:
October  3, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 4-6
Author Notes

When I feel the nned for a meat free night I love the earthiness of this tasty cauliflower recipe. —Nanna

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Batter for cauliflower
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups beer, any type
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound cauliflower florets
  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
  • The pasta
  • 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into thirds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for pot of boiling water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 juiced lemon, about 2 TBSP.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper & salt
  • Parmesan for sprinkling over top
Directions
  1. Fill a large pot of salted water and place over high heat. Prepare an ice bath and set aside. While water is heating, prepare the batter and proceed with the following steps. Combine the flour, cornstarch, black pepper and cayenne and mix well with a whisk. Slowly whisk in the beer until batter is completely smooth. The consistency should be like heavy cream. Set aside to rest for 1 hour. Blanch cauliflower florets 1/2 minute then plunge into cold ice bath, and drain and dry, set aside.
  2. Preheat a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F. Begin frying cauliflower florets in batches, dip each floret in the batter and then remove it, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Place a few in deep-fryer, do not overcrowd. Cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving over pasta. Sprinkle with salt, to taste.
  3. Cook pasta al dente in boiling salted water, drain and add all other ingredients. Top with fried florets. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

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1 Review

lapadia October 4, 2010
Delicious, thanks for sharing your recipe idea!