Whenever I share my love for cauliflower rice, people look at me like I’m nuts- Are you going to tell me that that smelly thing can replace the fluffy and versatile rice?
And I can understand that reaction because that’s what I exactly thought when my husband suggested that idea to me.
I was never a fan of cauliflower. I could barely pass it soaked with hummus or saturated with melted cheese. It wasn’t until I learned about all the great benefits it has for our health that I began to consider including it more often in my diet.
WHY IS CAULIFLOWER RICE SO GOOD
Besides that it tastes fantastic (seriously), this recipe is one of those dishes that you eat knowing that you are giving your body some extra love.
Cauliflower belongs to the cruciferous family, and our body adores all the good stuff these veggies can give us. Yeah!! Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard greens, and arugula are just some of the veggies this family includes. Indeed, cruciferous veggies are considered as one of THE MOST ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS.
These types of vegetables are rich in compounds called glucosinolates that have high anticancer properties. And if you don’t guess, this substance is responsible for the peculiar smell and taste they have.
It is also rich in vitamins of type B, C, K, and minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Phosphorus. It is also high in nutritional fiber and low in carbohydrates, being compatible with all types of diets and lifestyles, from vegetarian and paleo, to ketogenic.
CAULIFLOWER RICE VS. WHITE RICE
I could say that any carbohydrate is better than white rice, except for white bread and pasta. In other words, stay away from these tempting little demons!
Do you want to know one of the secrets of healthy aging, staying free of diabetes, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and cancer? Keep your glucose and insulin levels under control. And nothing like white rice to get your glucose out of control and into the stratosphere.
By contrast, cauliflower rice is rich in nutrients and low in calories. You can accompany all your favorite recipes with this side dish that is as versatile as white rice. It will keep your glucose levels stable, and never eating it could put you at risk of suffering those diseases that nowadays we fear so much.
Another great advantage is that cauliflower rice preparation and cooking time is less than white rice or any other grain.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE IT
Without a doubt, in your food processor.
Some people recommend using the S blade, while others prefer the grater attachment. Which I prefer? The grater attachment. Why? Because in my experience with the S blade, you will get mashed cauliflower and not rice.
The chopper attachment or the S blade does not process the florets evenly. It tends to squash the florets at the bottom and not cut the florets higher.
With the grater attachment, the texture is more consistent, and it looks more like rice.
If you don’t have a food processor, just cut the cauliflower head in half or quarters, and use a box grater.
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER RICE IN A VITAMIX
Before I had my Vitamix food processor, I made this recipe in the blender.
All you have to do is cut the cauliflower into small pieces and add them to the Vitamix container. Here, blending at a low speed for a short time (1 or 2) is key to obtaining the desired texture. Help yourself with the tamper to push the florets towards the blades.
CAN I MEAL PREP WITH THIS RECIPE
Of course, you can! With our friend the freezer, there are very few meals that cannot be meal prep.
Once you’ve processed the cauliflower, distribute the raw cauliflower rice into silicone food bags or airtight glass containers and place it in the freezer. Don’t forget this last step because if you leave it in the fridge for a few days, it will develop a strong and disagreeable sulfur smell. Therefore, it is better to use it immediately or freeze it for later.
So, when you’re ready to cook, you only need to put it frozen into a pan and cook for a few more minutes.
EASY PEASY CAULIFLOWER RICE
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Sauté Pan or Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Head of cauliflower (washed)
- 1 Small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 Cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil (virgin)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika or Turmeric powder (optional)
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cauliflower well, removing all leaves and the stem. Learn How to Remove Pesticides Residues from your Veggies.
- If using a box grater, cut the cauliflower into large chunks and use the medium-sized holes to grate it.
- If using a food processor, cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces to fit in your food processor's feed tube.
- Insert the grater adapter into your food processor and start adding the cauliflower florets.
- Once you have your cauliflower rice, heat the avocado oil in a large pan or skillet.
- Sauté the diced onion and garlic for a few minutes.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and sauté for another 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add smoked paprika or turmeric for extra color and flavor.
- Garnish with your favorite fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, mint, basil, or chives.
Enjoy this recipe of cauliflower rice. Let me know in the comments how it turned out.
See you next time!
