Paleo Cauliflower Rice & comfort zone
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It’s time for a new adventure! It’s time to leave our comfort zone and try something new. Do you like cauliflower? I do not particularly enjoy eating cauliflower. So when I saw Cauliflower Fried Rice on Pinterest I was intrigued, but skeptical! Let’s start with Paleo Cauliflower Rice…..
Yes, I do realize that this is regular rice and not fried rice…..baby steps!
I purchased the cauliflower, brought it home, and then chickened out! You can stop clucking now! 😉 I just could not wrap my head around the concept of cauliflower tasting like rice. Okay, I couldn’t figure out how cauliflower could possibly taste like anything other than cauliflower!! Well I was wrong. 🙂
How to make Paleo Cauliflower Rice:
I tossed my chunks of cauliflower into the food processor and…..I put too much in! Do you see how full that bowl is? DO NOT DO THAT! I think I had an extra-large head of cauliflower. Next time I will process half of the head of cauliflower at a time. If you have the bowl too full, you end up with tiny bits of cauliflower instead of RICE sized grains…..
Not all of it was over processed, just the bottom fourth of the bowl. I had made it this far, so I wasn’t about to turn back now. 😉
It is really as simple as putting your cauliflower “rice” in the pan with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Cover with a lid…..
and heat over medium heat until thoroughly heated! It is seriously that easy, and best of all…..it didn’t taste like cauliflower at all! How is that even possible? 🙂 I served my Paleo Cauliflower Rice with a Paleo Chicken Stir Fry and I didn’t even notice that it wasn’t traditional rice…..
SCORE!! Remember, I am trying to add more vegetables to my diet. What could be an easier way to add vegetables, than to serve them in place of a traditionally starchy side dish!
Will you be able to fool your kids? Umm, that I cannot guarantee. The texture is definitely different than rice, but it might be worth a try. I would probably try it with one of their favorite dishes…or buried underneath their favorite dish. 😉
{Update} I did finally try Paleo Shrimp Fried Rice, and I loved it!!
Enjoy!!
Paleo Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower (cut into golf ball sized chunks)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Place chunks of cauliflower into the bowl of a food processor, and pulse. Do not over fill, you want even, "rice" sized chunks not a puree.
- Place cauliflower rice in a medium saucepan with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until heated throughout, about 3 - 5 minutes.
- Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
Ok, I have to be honest and say that I do not love cauliflower either, but seriously, you make this look and sound so delicious I know I’m going to have to give this a try. You know who loves cauliflower and he’ll be shocked to see me eating it! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this recipe – pinned and buffered! Happy Wednesday!
Who are the clever people that come up with this stuff? What an interesting recipe. And Yay for you for stepping outside that comfort zone. My only issue with this is that I love cauliflower and am a tad disappointed that this ends up not tasting like it. With that said, I’d love to give it try.
I love cauliflower, and had heard about cauliflower couscous. I guess it’s the same concept. I will admit that I didn’t think this would appeal to me, until you explained what it is, and I pinned it immediately! I think it is worth giving it a try!
I love cauliflower, and it’s great like mashed potatoes, too! This looks so easy and delicious — I’m definitely up for trying this!
I tried this and it definitely fooled my little brothers ;–) It was so delicious that they couldn’t tell the difference haha! x
Oh wow that looks fantastic! Great recipe 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Oh my, this looks fantastic. I would never thought to do that and I love how you topped it with a stir fry…. pinned!
G’day Lisa! Love dishes with cauliflower rice! Thanks for sharing! Love the versatility!
Cheers! Joanne
Viewed as part of Food Friends Friday Healthy Choices Party!
Ok, that is awesome! Totally would have come in hand the other night when I made stir fry! Love this Lisa, and great pics! Pinned!
I love using cauliflower instead of potatoes, but have not tried it in place of rice. That will definitely have to be next. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
I still need to try cauliflower “potatoes” 🙂 It’s on “the list”, LOL
I love this creative way of using cauliflower! I actually saw this method on the children’s channel Nick Jr as a little commercial. (Yes, they are doing little recipes for the kiddos now days!)
We are huge rice lovers, so I know my family will love this! Thank you for sharing with all of us at the SSS party, Lisa! Sharing on FB today. (=
Wow, I had no idea that Nick Jr had recipes, that’s pretty cool 🙂 Thanks so much Gloria!!
I would have never though of using cauliflower this way and I’m sure it’s healthier than my usual strategy of dumping cheese sauce all over my cauliflower!
It would be healthier, but cheese sauce is pretty amazing as well. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by Bev!!
I love all these cauliflower recipes I’ve seen lately! The only problem is, can eat a whole head, steamed by myself! I’ve never made it to any of the recipes, which is a shame. This looks great!
I love cauliflower rice, its my new favorite! Now if I can only convince the hubby to like it! Would love for you to come over and share at The Happiness is Homemade Link party http://mommyondemand.com/happiness-homemade-3/
Shut. The. Front. Door. I’ve never heard of this! I love rice (mostly Basmati) but am also trying to replace carbs with more veggies. What a great alternative! I’d run out and buy a head right now but it’s to dang cold and windy!!!
-andi
I don’t blame you for not going out, it is awful outside!! I haven’t left the house in days…I refuse! This rice is the perfect way to cut carbs and sneak in more veggies. 🙂 I am going to try a stir-fry version this weekend, I’ll let you know how it goes!
I love this idea …. now to see if I can get it past my family 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Freedom Fridays – pinned and shared on FB! {hugs!}
Thank you Jamie, and good luck! I am going to try the stir-fry version this weekend…I’ll let you know how it goes. 🙂
I am so giving this a try! Another excuse to go visit my mom and borrow her food processor. Thank you for sharing this on Foodie Friday
Is there anyway to make it without a food processor?? I would love to try this…but unfortunately do not own a food processor.
Yes Nicci, you can grate the cauliflower using the largest hole on a box grater. 🙂
We make this rice all the time! It’s so versatile and a great grain-free alternative!
I kinda love this idea, Lisa! I do enjoy eating cooked cauliflower on its own, but love the idea of replacing rice with this healthier option! And the fried rice looks amazing!!
My son is a picky eater, he’s autistic so he fixated on what he eats. He will only eat rice and beans. . . Until I found out about cauliflower rice. Yes it does not taste the same but I started mixing real rice with cauliflower rice to camouflage, guess who added an awesome vegetable to his diet!!?? Thanks for the recipe!