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Cauliflower and Black Rice Fritters with Feta Olive Relish

While brown rice is known for its health benefits, nutty, chewy and visually stunning black rice packs even more punch, with the bran hull of this super-food containing high levels of vitamin E, fibre and antioxidants. These sensational vegetarian fritters make for a creative and delectable main course or side dish, with fresh and zesty ‘relish’ spooned overtop as the ideal accompaniment.

Cauliflower and Black Rice Fritters with Feta Olive Relish




Yield
20 pieces, or 10 servings


Ingredients

Feta Olive Relish

  • 1 cup (250 mL) pitted Kalamata olives, diced
  • 1 cup (250 mL) diced plum tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup (250 mL) crumbled feta cheese

Fritters

  • 1small cauliflower (about 1-1/2 lb/750 g), trimmed and cut into florets
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 (60 mL) cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cup (175 mL) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (175 mL) finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup (250 mL) cooked U.S. black rice
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) (approx) vegetable oil

Directions

Feta Olive Relish:

  1. In bowl, combine olives, tomatoes, mint, oil and vinegar; gently stir in feta cheese. Set aside.

Fritters:

  1. In large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook cauliflower until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well; transfer to large wide bowl. Roughly mash with potato masher until pea-sized pieces; let cool.
  2. Stir eggs, garlic, and parsley into cauliflower until combined. In separate bowl, whisk flour, parmesan, baking powder, salt and pepper; stir into cauliflower mixture just until combined. Fold in rice.
  3. In large stick-resistant skillet, heat some of the oil over medium heat. Using 1/4 cup (60 mL) measuring cup as a mould, pack and scoop mixture into pan to form each fritter, flattening slightly to 1/2 -inch (1 cm) rounds. Working in batches, fry, turning once (use two utensils to turn fritters), until golden and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
  4. Transfer to rack-lined tray and keep warm in 200°F (100°C) oven while cooking remaining fritters. Serve topped with Feta Olive Relish.

Black rice can be replaced with cooked long-grain brown rice.

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