VEGAN NUGGETS

This morning in The Kitchen saw Brad & Sam take on an alternate to the normal nuggets you are probably used too. These Vegan Nuggets are top draw and perfect for all the family.

IF YOU FANCY HAVING A GO YOURSELF HERE'S THE RECIPE

READY IN: 60 min

PORTIONS:  30 pieces 

INGREDIENTS:

• 300g cauliflower florets (or 3/4 small cauliflower)
• 2 carrots , chopped (about 165g)
• ½ medium onion , chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove , crushed
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tsp yeast extract
• 400g can cannellini beans , drained
• 50g gram (chickpea) flour
• olive oil , for the baking tray

For the coating

• 100g gram flour , plus a little extra
• 100g breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)

 DIRECTIONS:

• Pulse the cauliflower, carrots and onion in a food processor until very finely chopped, like rice. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and gently fry the mix for 12-15 mins until softened. Add the garlic and fry for a further 1 min, then take off the heat and stir in the nutritional yeast and yeast extract. Set aside.

• Blend the beans into a mushy purée in a food processor, then add to the veggie mix and combine well. Stir in the flour and season. Put in the fridge to firm up for 1 hr.

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment and coat with a little olive oil. To make the coating, mix the gram flour with 150ml water using a fork so it resembles beaten egg, then season. Scatter the extra gram flour on a plate and fill a second with the breadcrumbs.

• Roll the bean mixture into walnut-sized pieces, then flatten to form nugget shapes. Dip the pieces first in the gram flour, then in the gram batter, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs – handle carefully as they will be a little soft. When the nuggets are fully coated, lay them out on the prepared tray.

• Bake for 20 mins, then use tongs to turn each nugget over and bake for a further 15 mins until they are dark golden and crisp. Leave to cool for 20 mins before serving with your choice of dipping sauces.