I’m not the biggest fan of using cauliflower as a regular substitute for (already healthy) carbs (I love carbs!) but if you are looking for a way to boost your veggie intake and prop up your vitamin and mineral intake I think it can be great. So on a day when you’ve already had your share of carb-based goodness and want something a bit lighter, cauliflower rice can be a good shout.
Just like regular rice, it can be a bit plain on it’s own so I have well and truly spiced up this recipe using Cajun ‘Dirty Rice’ as my inspiration, which means that it’s packed with loads of beneficial herbs, spices and veggies that are great for body function as well as really tasty. I like to serve it with tofu or eggs and a side of avocado to make it heartier but you could also try stirring red or black beans into the dish itself if you need something more filling.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 green pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1½ tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- a sprinkle of turmeric (optional)
METHOD
- Put the cauliflower florets in a food processor and whizz for a 30 seconds or so until it reaches a rice-like texture. Set aside.
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large frying pan and add the onion and celery. Cook on a low heat, covered, until soft (around 5 minutes).
- Add the green pepper and another Tbsp of the oil and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower, the last Tbsp of oil and the remaining ingredients. Cook on a medium heat, stirring regularly for 10 minutes or so until the cauliflower is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve!
