Courtesy of Kulinaria Recetas
These soft, delicate dumplings are made from cauliflower and come together without kneading or rolling. The mild flavor of the cauliflower pairs beautifully with a classic basil pesto, letting the vegetables and herbs shine. It’s an easy, comforting dish that feels special without being heavy.
Ingredients
For the dumplings
- 1 medium cauliflower (about 600 g), cut into florets
- 250 g all-purpose flour (or gluten free all-purpose mix)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the fresh pesto sauce
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- A handful of pine nuts or walnuts
- 1–2 garlic cloves, to taste
- Grated cheese (Parmesan or similar), to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for a few minutes until lightly golden. Add enough water to reach halfway up the cauliflower, cover, and cook over low heat until completely tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the egg, salt, and pepper, and pulse to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Transfer the dough to a piping bag or a sturdy plastic bag with the corner cut off. Pipe short pieces of dough directly into the boiling water, cutting them with a spoon or knife.
- Once the dumplings float to the surface, cook for another 30–60 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, nuts, garlic, and grated cheese. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until you reach a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the cauliflower dumplings into a skillet, toss them gently until slightly browned. Add the pesto sauce.
- Serve and finish with extra grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition facts per serving (1 plate, 250 g, 8.8 oz):
Calories 455 kcal, Fat 19.2 g, Saturated Fat 3.4 g, Carbohydrates 57.5 g, Dietary Fiber 5.2 g, Sugars 3.5 g, Protein 14.5 g, Sodium 455 mg, Calcium 142 mg, Iron 4.6 mg, Potassium 624 mg, Vitamin C 74.9 mg.