This odd recipe truly is one of my all-time favorite snacks! Cauliflower might be one of your least favorite veggies, but I promise this irresistible snack might just change your mind on that one! These flavor packed cauliflower bites have that crunchy texture that we all know and love, so feel free to swap some of these out for those cheetos hiding around in your daily lunchbox.
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile veggies around. It can be used in anything from dips, to desserts, but my favorite thing about cauliflower is that it can be completely transformed by the dehydrator! In this recipe, I combined zesty spices with a somewhat bland veggie to create a snack worthy of sharing. Combine it with a sweet and savory sauce, and it is brought to a whole new level. All I am going to say is that my mother loves this recipe, and she is... a cauliflower hater (she'll come to her senses one day).
Every foodie should have a jar of tahini in the house, at all times. No matter what flavor or taste you are going for, tahini will add its own touch of zing, which marries well with any palate. Tahini is made from sesame seeds, which are a great source of calcium, maganese and copper. This tiny seed can also help prevent migraines, normalize sleep patterns during menopause, lower high blood pressure and reduce PMS symptoms!
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C and K, along with many other essential nutrients. Among the most benefits of cauliflower are digestive health, detox support, anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular support! When preparing cauliflower, be sure not to overcook, since many of it's key nutrients can be lost.
Nutritional yeast has risen in popularity over the past few years, and it is to no surprise! This powerful supplement is known for its delicious cheezy flavor and is often used in place of cheese. Nutritional yeast is low in calories and fat, while also providing an array of vitamins and minerals. This inactive yeast also holds a hefty amount of protein and essential B vitamins, such as B1 B2, B6 and B12!
Raw Cheezy Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
1 large head cauliflower
2 tsp melted coconut oil
Spice Mix:
4 tsp chili powder
4 tbs nutritional yeast
1 tsp ground caraway
1 tsp smoked sea salt (or regular)
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 pinches cayenne pepper
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tbs freshly ground dried papaya seeds (optional)
1 tbs sesame seeds
Sweet Tahini Sauce:
3 tbs roasted tahini
1 tbs unsweetened sunflower butter
1 tbs agave nectar (or honey)
1 pinch sea salt
2-4 tbs water (depending on what consistency you want)
Instructions:
Create your spice mix by tossing all the seasonings together in a small bowl.
Wash and chop your cauliflower into somewhat large pieces (about 1 - 2 square inches). Place the bites in a large bowl and toss with the melted coconut oil, followed by the spice rub. Throughly coat the cauliflower pieces until almost all the rub has coated them. If the spices do not seem to be sticking enough, add about 2 tbs water to move it along.
Spread the cauliflower pieces evenly on lined dehydrator trays, then dehydrate on 115F for about 8 hours (or overnight). *see below for oven instructions
For the tahini sauce, combine the tahini, sunflower butter, salt and agave in a small bowl, mix to combine. Finally add in the water and continue to mix and combine. Enjoy alongside some crispy cauliflower bites!
*If you do not have a dehydrator, simply roast the cauliflower in the oven at 375F for about 45 minutes. They will not have the same texture, but they will taste just as delicious!