| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 8g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 4g | 5g | 0.1g |
Now y’all, every Southern kitchen has its roots deeply grounded in our humble staple: rice. But once in a while, even tradition-loving cooks like yours truly need to mix it up. That’s where this vibrant Cauliflower Rice recipe dances into the frame.
Tradition Reinvented
I love the flexibility of rice. It’s a canvas for so many delightful flavors and ingredients – just like my hearty Southern jambalayas or seafood paellas. This cauliflower rice holds the same spirit, open to endless reinterpretations. Yes, it might be a bit far removed from my standard Southern fare, but every culinary tradition thrives on innovation, and every kitchen benefits from some diversification.
Nutritional Powerhouse
But it’s not just the culinary creativity that has me returning to this dish. Despite compromising on rice, the cauliflower rice bowls over on the nutrition front. Cauliflower is packed with fiber, vitamin C and K; all crucial for a well-balanced diet. Paired with colorful, fibrous veggies like carrots, bell pepper abundance sweet, juicy fruits like pineapple and mango – it’s a veritable riot of nutrients. According to Medical News Today, diverse veggies, fruits, and low caloric foods like cauliflower can help maintain a healthy weight.
Surprisingly Compatible
What really took me by surprise was how well the cauliflower rice accompanies other dishes. It pairs beautifully with meat-based entrees like Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs or Grilled Salmon with Citrusy Relish. The lightness and subtleness of the cauliflower rice balance these heartier, more flavorful dishes, making a well-rounded meal.
If you’re a Southern belle like me, or just a food lover on the hunt for health-forward, bright and scrumptious dishes, give this Cauliflower Rice a whirl. You’ll be serving up tradition with a twist in no time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped
Method
Step One
First, remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Break it into florets and then pulse them in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. Set this aside for later use.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced bell pepper to the pan and sauté until they are softened, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
Next, add the processed cauliflower into the pan. Mix it up and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the cauliflower is slightly browned and tender.
Step Five
Add into the pan the frozen peas, diced pineapple, diced mango, diced strawberries, and raisins. Stir all these together and let it cook for a few minutes.
Step Six
Mix in the soy sauce and sesame oil into the pot. Continue cooking for a few more minutes so that the flavors meld together.
Step Seven
Taste the cauliflower rice and add salt and pepper according to your taste. If needed, add some more soy sauce or sesame oil.
Step Eight
Finally, remove the pan from the heat and garnish your dish with chopped green onions. Your delicious and healthy cauliflower rice is now ready to serve!
