Egyptian Fried Cauliflower with Tahina Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylyeBtEjc5s

Egyptian Fried Cauliflower with Tahina Sauce

Egyptian fried cauliflower, or arnabeet, is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms humble cauliflower into a crispy, golden delight. The florets are lightly boiled until tender, then coated in a spiced batter and shallow-fried to perfection. Served with a creamy, tangy tahini sauce, this dish is a popular appetizer or side in Egyptian cuisine. With its crunchy texture and bold flavors, fried cauliflower is a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal!

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 cauliflower, cut into florets

• water (for boiling)

• sea salt

For the Batter:

• 4 eggs

• ¼ cup flour

• paprika

• garlic powder

• onion powder

• ground coriander

• ground cumin

• black pepper

• baking soda, just a pinch

For Frying:

• vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Tahini Sauce:

• ½ cup tahini

• juice of 1 lemon

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• sea salt (to taste)

• 2-4 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)

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Instructions

Preparing the Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, combine tahini with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and a splash of water. Mix well until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency. This creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the crispy fried cauliflower.

Cooking the Cauliflower

Break the head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season it with sea salt. Add the cauliflower florets and cook them just until they become fork-tender, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should remain firm enough for frying.

Preparing the Batter & Frying

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and flour to form a smooth batter. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, black pepper, and baking soda, ensuring an even distribution of spices. Dip each cauliflower floret into the seasoned batter, coating it completely.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the battered cauliflower for a couple of minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Once fried, transfer the florets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serving the Fried Cauliflower

Serve the crispy fried cauliflower hot, paired with the homemade tahini sauce for dipping. This flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a light meal, bringing a delicious Egyptian touch to your table!