Nest Spring Menu // Cauliflower Calamari

By Elizabeth Woodard | Culinary Director of Nest and Holistic Nutritionist

When I asked friends and family their favorite appetizer to share, 10 out of 10 replied calamari. I could not disappoint, so we created a version of calamari made from cauliflower florets spiced and prepared in our air fryer!

Cauliflower is a cruciferous veggie, full of antioxidants, choline (good for liver and brain function), fiber, and sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a photochemical that plays many roles in your body including neutralizing toxins, protecting DNA, and reducing inflammation. Yes, please!

Although delicious, calamari typically comes deep-fried, tossed in batter, and made from processed flour. When you deep fry, the oils are cooked at such high temperatures that their molecular structure looses its integrity and becomes rancid. This oil, no matter what quality, creates oxidative stress and damage to your cells, and increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes. No thank you!

This is why we mix our calamari in almond flour, spices, and nori a sea veggie packed with protein and minerals. Then we use our air fryer, which circulates hot air to give a crispy texture without harming your health!

To pack in extra healthy benefits, we utilize the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of lemon and basil in a tasty aioli dip to coat your Cauliflower Calamari. Yum!