theveganpea

This is the best Popcorn Broccoli/Cauliflower I have had…and why?! Because oats take fried crunchiness to a whole new level! They are perfect for literally every occasion…game-night, Friday night, Saturday night, film night, guys night, parties….yes, the list goes on! The ranch dressing is a personal favourite because it really does taste like the real deal cheesy ranch sauce, and it can be used in and on so many other dishes! I think you get my message but just incase…this dish is a winner dinner!

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooking time)

Ingredients (Serves 3):

Popcorn Broccoli:

• 1 large Broccoli head
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 5 Chillies
• 1/3 cup fresh Coriander (including stalks)
• 1 Spring Onion
• 1 cup Gluten Free Flour (brand of choice is Dove’s Farm Gluten Free Flour)
• Water (approx. 1 cup but alter according to brand of flour used)
• 1 cup Gluten Free Oats (brand of choice is Bob’s Red Mill oats)
• 2 tsp White Pepper
• Salt to taste
• Olive Oil to fry

Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup Almond Milk
• 1/2 Lemon juiced
• 1 cup Pine Nuts
• Pinch of Chilli Powder
• 2 1/2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the broccoli head into sections, making each piece bite sized
2. In a grinder, grind the garlic, chillies, spring onion and coriander
3. Place the ground mixture into a bowl and mix with the gluten free flour and salt, and then the water to form a batter that is thin enough to flow but thick enough to coat the broccoli (if too thin add more flour, too thick add more water a tablespoon at a time)
4. Test the batter taste and adjust the salt levels accordingly
5. Mix the oats with approx.  1 tsp salt and the white pepper
6. In a blender, place all the ingredients for the ranch dressing and blend until a smooth sauce is achieved (approx. 7 minutes)
7. Heat a pan with approx. 2 inches of olive oil for deep frying
8. Meanwhile, dip each broccoli piece individually into the batter and then roll around in the oats to form an even coating
9. Test the oil is hot enough with an oat…we are ready to fry when the oat floats to the surface of the oil
10. Fry the broccoli in batches for approx. 5-7 minutes (until the outside is golden brown and a knife can pierce through the broccoli with ease)
11. Drain the broccoli on paper kitchen towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt
12. Place the popcorn broccoli into a big bowl and drizzle with the ranch dressing and garnish with anything you like, from spring onions and chillies to sesame seeds
13. Enjoy my Little Peas!