Cauliflower spinach jalapeño balls – vegan or cheesy

In an effort to clean out my frig before I was leaving town this week, I searched the web for a recipe using cauliflower, spinach and jalapeños.  I had more of an appetizer in mind, that I could serve the non-vegans and I really couldn’t find anything.  So I came up with the following recipes, that were a big hit with my girlfriends.  I’m offering two versions here, cheesy and vegan.  These recipes will have everyone eating more veggies!

Vegan Cauliflower Spinach Jalapeño Balls

1 head cauliflower

1 bag spinach

3 jalapeños – seeds removed

1 medium onion

Equivalent of 2 eggs/egg replacer

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder

Salt & Pepper

1/2 cup vegan mayo

1/2 cup vegan parmesan

1 cup almond flour

Coconut Oil for frying (if baking, no oil needed)

 

Cheesy Cauliflower Spinach Jalapeño Balls

1 head cauliflower

1 bag spinach

3 jalapeños – seeds removed

1 medium onion

1 egg

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder

Salt & Pepper

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup parmesan

1/2 cup cream cheese

1 cup almond flour

Coconut Oil for frying (if baking, no oil needed)

 

Start by roughly chopping cauliflower head into large piece, boil for 20 minutes or until easily poked with a fork.  Drain in colander and mash with the bottom of a coffee mug, …I know this might sound weird but it’s an easier alternative to using a food processor and then cheese cloth to squeeze the liquid out of the cauliflower.  Chop spinach, jalapeños and onion, sauté briefly.  In a large bowl mix your ingredients(no flour), form the mixture into balls or patties, roll in almond flour and fry in coconut oil or bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees.

*I used almond flour because I am reducing the amount of white carbs in my diet and it’s a good additional source of protein.  Feel free to use fresh garlic or other veggies like artichokes and olives to customize.