BBQ “Chicken” Cauliflower

I used to LOVE chicken nuggets, especially from McDonald’s,
dipped in bbq sauce.

My mother would never let me go to the golden arches for lunch or dinner,
so I always enjoyed sleeping at friend’s houses – meant
chicken nuggets galore.

Got the inspiration for this BBQ “Chicken” Cauliflower
from a photo on instagram from Feed Me Phoebe’s Buffalo Cauliflower.

Looked so yummy, just had to replicate it
and healthify it a little so I could enjoy it guilt-free!

Now, it’s one of my favorite go-to dishes, especially
when I’m craving chicken nuggets or other fatty, fried foods.

Here’s how I healthified the recipe:
– swapped the canola oil for grapeseed oil (high heat, less processed)
– corn meal for almond meal (gluten-free, easier on digestion, high in protein)
– butter/earth balance for coconut oil (anti-inflammatory, good for the skin)
– buffalo sauce for bbq sauce made with agave instead of white sugar!

Directions:
– 1 cup grapeseed oil, coconut oil or sesame oil
– 3 free-range eggs
– 2/3 cup almond meal (or 2/3 cups raw almonds blended until flour-like. If you’re nut-free, try this with oat flour)
– 1 small head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets
– 2 tbsps coconut oil, melted
– 1/4 cup bbq sauce
– 1/4 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the oil over high flame.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the almond meal and whisk until smooth. Fold in the cauliflower.
3. Test the oil to make sure it’s hot enough by adding one battered cauliflower floret. The cauliflower should begin bubbling. When the oil is hot, add the cauliflower florets, shaking off any excess batter in the bowl. “Fry” in batches until the florets are golden brown, flipping a few times to make sure all sides are done. (I didn’t add as much oil (2 quarts as the recipe called- i only used 2 cups so the cauliflower wasnt drenched in oil- it was sort of just  “sauteeing”) “Sautee”/Lightly fry in batches until golden brown for about 3 minutes total, until golden brown on all sides.
4. Remove to a towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Meanwhile, in another large mixing bowl, stir together the coconut oil and bbq sauce. Add the fried cauliflower and toss until well-coated or just drizzle the bbq sauce on top. Sprinkle on some sea salt.
6. Serve immediately alongside some sweet potato fries and/or carrot and celery sticks. Voila!

be healthy. be delish. be well.

Enjoy!

xoxo

be well,
arielle