Description
A flavorful and healthy Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Rice recipe that offers a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. This dish is seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, making it a perfect side to complement curries, grilled meats, or enjoy on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Rice
- 1 head cauliflower
Spices and Oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 3-4 tablespoons chopped cilantro (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Cauliflower: Rinse your cauliflower thoroughly. Slice it in half down the middle, then slice each half again along the stem. Hold each quarter upright and carefully slice off the stem to separate the florets. Roughly chop the florets into 1 to 2 inch pieces.
- Rice the Cauliflower: Add a portion of the chopped cauliflower (about half or one-third depending on size) into a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse in one-second intervals until the cauliflower pieces resemble grains of rice. Repeat this process with the remaining cauliflower pieces.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil and butter mixture is hot, add all the riced cauliflower to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
- Season the Dish: While the cauliflower cooks, add 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the spice quantities according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat once the cauliflower is tender and well-seasoned. Stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Rice as a healthy side dish alongside your favorite curry, grilled chicken, lamb, beef, pork, or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels to your taste by increasing or decreasing individual spices.
- Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower rice to retain a nice texture similar to real rice.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the cauliflower by hand, though it may take longer.
- Use fresh cilantro for garnish to enhance flavor; dried cilantro won’t have the same impact.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
