Cauliflower and Turmeric Meatballs

Cauliflower and turmeric meatballs are an excellent choice for a tasty and spicy dish, perfect for those who love strong flavors and are looking for a vegetarian alternative to classic meatballs. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower
• 2 eggs (or a vegan substitute, such as chickpea flour mixed with water)
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese (or grated vegan cheese)
• 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for frying or oil for oven cooking

Preparation

1. Start by cutting the cauliflower into florets and boil it in a pot with salted water until tender but not falling apart.
2. Drain the cauliflower and let it cool. Then, finely chop it with a knife or an immersion blender.
3. In a large bowl, mix the chopped cauliflower with the eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, turmeric, finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper until you have a homogeneous mixture.
4. Take a bit of the mixture at a time and form it into meatballs with your hands. If the mixture is too soft, you can add more breadcrumbs.
5. Now you can decide whether to fry the meatballs in hot oil until they are golden brown on all sides or to bake them. For oven cooking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle lightly with oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are well browned.
6. Drain them on paper towels if you are frying in oil to remove the excess fat.
7. Serve the meatballs hot or at room temperature with a dipping sauce of your choice or a fresh salad.

Fun Facts

Turmeric, used in this recipe, is known not only for its unique taste and the bright color it gives to dishes but also for its beneficial properties. Rich in curcumin, it’s considered a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

This dish can be adapted to different dietary needs, for instance, by substituting the egg with a vegan binder and the Parmesan with a lactose-free or vegan alternative. Cauliflower and turmeric meatballs are a perfect example of how it’s possible to create flavorful and healthy preparations using plant-based ingredients.