Coming at you guys with another recipe.

You know that age old question about desert islands and a single food? The one that goes “If you could only choose one food to live off of on a desert Island for the rest of your life, what would it be?”

So I get the point of it, a fancy way of deciding what your favorite food is, but I’ve always felt this question was still too vague. I mean, I like specifics. Are there any other people on the Island? And does the island have anything edible on it already? Like, if we’ve got some coconuts and pineapple then we’ll make some spears, catch some fish, and be all set right? I’m just saying, details would be nice people.

Whatever the case, I’m a very indecisive person so this question has always been a real toughy for me. Now if I had to make this decision on other’s behalf, like for my family, I think it would be easier. I’d go for something crunchy, salty, and deep fried. Yes, those are probably the most popular kinds of foods in my family, even if not the healthiest. The boys are especially huge fans of any form of fried food and that’s why coming up with a slightly healthier version seemed like a great idea.

This version of cauliflower can either be baked or pan-fried, depending on your preference. I wanted to try coating them in a simple coating that would be gluten free without needing any hard-to-find ingredients so I used almond flour and unsweetened shredded coconut. These still aren’t the most common ingredients, but I’ve noticed them both becoming more popular on the shelves at more than one local grocery so I’m hopeful you can find them as well.

If you can’t find them the almond flour it can be made at home using raw almonds and if you can only

Almond Coconut Ranch Fried Cauliflower Bites

Need a change from your typical veggies and dip for an appetizer? These cauli bites are here for you! They're crispy, delicious, easy, and gluten free.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 - 12 servings

Ingredients

4 - 5 cups fresh cauliflower florets
1 1/2 cups cornstarch
1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
1 cup vegan ranch dressing recipe follows or store-bought
1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
1 1/3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cornstarch
peanut oil for frying or preferred oil
Ranch:
1 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dill
1 teaspoon fresh chives
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

If making the ranch homemade, mix ingredients for the ranch in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Mix almond flour, coconut, pepper, and salt; pour into pie plate. Pour cornstarch into a separate pie plate and milk and ranch in a small bowl.
Cut cauliflower into bite-size pieces and dip first into cornstarch, then milk/ranch, then breading and place on parchment lined tray.
Fill a large saucepan or deep fryer with a few inches of oil and heat to medium high. Fry chicken in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until done through. I like to test by cutting the largest piece to make sure it is completely cooked. Remove to paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil. (Alternatively you can bake at 400 degrees F for about 12 minutes or until crispy)
Serve immediately with hot sauce or extra ranch..

ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D750 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.

Also, a huge shoutout to @rigaronib for designing my logo!

If you're looking for more recipes check out some of my other recent posts!

1. Spiced Caribbean Falafel Wraps
2. Hazelnut Chocolate Scones & “Nutella” Icing
3. Peanut Jackfruit Stew & Orange Cilantro Rice
4. Sweet Potato & Chickpea Green Curry
5. Chocolate Frosted Yellow Vanilla Cake