Cauliflower Tater Tots with Parmesan

Cauliflower is rightfully called a low-carb, low-calorie replacement for starchy potatoes - and these crispy unfilled patties are proof of that! The cauliflower is pureed, then mixed with cheese and topped with crispy bread crumbs before baking.
Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), trimmed and divided into small florets
5 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites, beaten until foamy
3/4 cup coarse dry whole grain breadcrumbs (panko)
Spray for cooking canola or olive oil
Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the water into a colander. Return the cauliflower to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Puree the cauliflower until it resembles lumpy rice. Transfer to a large bowl and cool, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir flour and cheese into cooled cauliflower. Season with pepper and salt. Fold in the egg whites. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap, leaving the plastic wrap to hang over the edges. Spread the cauliflower mixture into the pan, pressing it into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the freezer until completely cool, 1 to 2 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

4. Place breadcrumbs on a plate. Place cauliflower mixture on cutting board, removing plastic wrap. Cut it into 36 pieces. Dredge the pieces in the breadcrumbs, turning to coat all sides. Place on baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

5. Coat the totas with cooking spray. Bake, turning once halfway through, until golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes.

Make an extra batch for the freezer; pull out a few when you need a quick side dish or appetizer.

ACTIVE: 45 minutes
TOTAL: 2 3/4 hours
AHEAD: Prepare according to step 4, freeze in a single layer, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, place frozen totas on a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
and bake at 400°F for 35-45 minutes.
Nutrition information

6 SERVINGS: 6 PIECES PER EACH

Calories 86, fat 2g (saturated 1g), cholesterol 3mg, carbohydrates 13g, total sugars 1g (0g added), protein 5g, fiber 2g, sodium 289mg, potassium 209mg.