Broccoli Bites

Serves 4

www.ZsusVeganPantry.com

Bennigan’s has a version of this on their menu with bacon, cheese, and broccoli. I did not use any vegan bacon pieces, but you may add 4 tablespoons minced Bacon Tofu or other vegan bacon pieces.

Broccoli Bites:

1 (16-ounce) bag frozen broccoli pieces, rinsed briefly to remove ice crystals

1 cup shredded mozzarella vegan cheese

¾ cup shredded cheddar vegan cheese

1 tablespoon minced onion

3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose white flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Breading:

¼ cup plain unsweetened vegan milk, as needed

¼ cup unbleached all-purpose white flour, as needed

¼ cup fine unseasoned bread crumbs, as needed

High-heat oil for frying

Maple-Dijon Sauce:

6 tablespoons vegan sour cream

2 tablespoons vegan mayo

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Sea

1. Pulse the freshly rinsed broccoli 7 times in a food processor. Alternatively, mince the pieces using a knife. Transfer the minced broccoli in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, flour, salt, and pepper to the broccoli. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

3. Form the mixture into walnut-size balls by firmly rolling them between your palms, using about 2 tablespoons per ball. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

4. In the meantime, prepare the breading. Put the milk, flour, and bread crumbs each in a shallow bowl to create a breading station.

5. If you will be frying the broccoli bites, bring 2 inches of oil to 350-degrees F in a deep pot. If you will be baking the bites, preheat the oven to 400-degrees F and lightly oil a baking sheet. (Using this method they will not remain perfectly round, but they will not fall apart and the cheese will not melt out of the bites.)

6. After the broccoli bites have cooled, coat them in the flour, dip them in the milk, and then roll them in the bread crumbs until they are evenly coated. Fry the bites for 5 minutes until they are golden brown, draining them on paper towels after they are cooked. Alternatively, bake the bites for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.

7. In a small bowl, make the sauce by whisking together the sour cream, mayo, maple syrup, mustard, and lemon juice. Serve the Broccoli Bites with the Maple-Dijon Sauce.