Nashville Hot Cauliflower

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Nashville Hot Sauce:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (from frying)
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt

For serving:

• Pickle slices
• White bread slices
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.

3. Dip cauliflower florets in buttermilk, then coat with seasoned flour mixture.

4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry cauliflower in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

6. For the hot sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup of the frying oil with cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.

7. Brush or toss the fried cauliflower with the hot sauce.

8. Serve immediately on white bread slices, topped with pickle chips and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Brace yourself for a flavor explosion with this Nashville Hot Cauliflower – a vegetarian take on the Southern classic that packs all the fiery punch of the original. Each crispy, spicy bite will have you feeling the heat and reaching for more, proving that vegetables can be just as bold and satisfying as any meat dish!