Cauliflower Fritter with Spicy Dipping Sauce

I love crab cakes and tuna cakes even apple fritters but I have never heard of cauliflower fritters before. Zucchini yes. Cauliflower no. Sadly I was not that thrilled with the results. The fritters were in much need of flavor. So I thought and thought about what was missing and the first thing that came to mind was red pepper. I worked up a spicy dipping sauce I like to use on fried vegetables and was much happier. Yes it defeats the purpose of “only 5 ingredients” but I do not believe in compromising on flavor. I think some kind of mustard sauce or salsa would be a nice compliment too.

Source: Rachael Ray
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 1/4 pounds), trimmed and chopped
1/2 cup flour
1 large egg, beaten
One 10-ounce bag salad greens
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Steam the cauliflower until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, mash and let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and egg, season with salt and pepper and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Roll 1/4 cupfuls into balls, then flatten into patties, to make a total of 12 to 14. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the patties until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Serve with the salad greens tossed in olive oil and the lemon juice.

Variations:
-1 shallot, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
-Chopped anchovies.
-Green Onions, corn, peas and 1/2 cup cheddar.
-1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
-Use Balsamic Vinegar in the place of lemon juice.

Spicy Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp salt

Stir together mayonnaise and ketchup; season with cayenne, onion powder, pepper, and salt.