Cauliflower rice isnt perfect.
Its doesnt have the same texture as white rice, and it doesnt taste like it.
Its easy to hate on, but theres a solid upside to this vegetable sub.
Take this cauliflower arancini recipe, for example.
A popular white rice-based Italian classic made in an unconventional way, without a grain of rice in sight.
The mixture is rolled into balls, breaded and quickly fried.
Ive seen them at Italian restaurants and delis ranging dramatically in size, anywhere from golf ball to softball-sized.
Plus, it has all the great qualities, textures, and flavors of the traditional recipe.
I used a bag of prepared, frozen riced cauliflower and heated it up in a medium skillet.
After about 10 minutes, the veggie pieces were warm and and the excess water was gone.
you might use freshly riced cauliflower, if you like.
Mix in shredded parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and an egg.
I also added some salt, pepper, dry basil, and garlic powder.
The residual heat from the cauliflower should melt some of the cheese, but not cook the egg.
Put this mixture in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm it up.
Pour the bread crumbs into a small bowl.
While arborio rice is high in starch, which helps hold the ball shape, cauliflower isnt.
If you decide to roll a bigger size, you might risk a flatter shape later on.
Fry them in a skillet with about half an inch of neutral frying oil.
Blot the cauliflower arancini dry on a paper towel and cool on a wire rack.
This recipe made nine cauliflower balls.
Add the cheeses and egg while still warm.
Add the salt, garlic powder, pepper, dry basil, and peas (if using).
Mix until well combined.
Cool in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Heat half and inch of frying oil to 350F-360F in a frying pan.
Mix the bread crumbs and panko in a small bowl.
While the oil is heating, roll the cauliflower mixture into 8-10 balls.
Roll the balls in the breadcrumbs to coat.
Fry two or three arancini at a time for 1-2 minutes on both sides, or until well-browned.
Blot on a paper towel and cool on a wire rack.
