Fried Cauliflower with Herbed Labneh

You will LOVE this Fried Cauliflower with Herbed Labneh recipe as an appetizer or as a snack.  It also makes a beautiful presentation making it wonderful for entertaining.  I have posted a few recipes from Michael Solomonov’s Zahav cookbook already and I cannot get enough of it.  Every recipe has been not just good but awesome.   I have posted a few salads including a Green Bean salad with Tahini Dressing, some Moroccan Carrots and a Charred Eggplant Salad. They were all REALLY, REALLY, REALLY good. 

I am such a fan of cauliflower.  It is so versatile.  I have made it into rice, into a pasta cream sauce and mashed potatoes to name only a few of its uses.  I have never fried it though.  I do not like to do too much frying because it is not the healthiest way to eat.  The fry for this cauliflower is pretty lite and pretty quick.  It also imparts such a great brown color to the cauliflower.

The recipe specifically calls for labneh.  Labneh is a Middle Eastern yogurt.  I have one of my go to ethnic grocery stores pretty close to me.  Whenever, I need a hard to find ethnic ingredient, I can always find it here.  They of course had the labneh.  Labneh is a thicker yogurt owing its roots to the Middle East.  It is perfect for dips because it already has the consistency you want.  The herbs in this recipe are plentiful including mint, parsley, cilantro and xxxx.  The dip is thick and fresh tasting.  It would be a great compliment to any vegetable one could think of using.  I will definitely be using this dip recipe for more entertaining. 

The cast of characters.

The cauliflower frying in the pan.

The herbs and garlic in the food processor.

The Fried Cauliflower with Herbed Labneh plated and ready for serving.