Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
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I’ve made this easy, yet very worthy side dish, Mediterranean cauliflower rice two days in a row. Each time I changed the recipe a bit and and I’ll suggest some variations below.
The cauliflower rice is flavored with a touch of saffron (optional), turmeric, mushroom powder, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper. Additions are peas and tomatoes, which add more texture and color.
The one ingredient though that I think brings this home is the sliced toasted almonds. It brings a crunch and a flavor that makes each bite just right. I also think golden raisins would be a great addition, but I didn’t have them on hand.
First of all use frozen cauliflower rice. Costco sell a version with 4 individual bags, that you can either microwave or dry fry. I’ll explain what dry fry is because that’s how I made this recipe.
How to Cook Frozen Cauliflower
My favorite method is to plop the frozen cauliflower in hot cast iron frying pan with just a touch of fat (either oil or butter). This method gives you a chance to season the cauliflower, and make it less mushy. Any water due to the freezing evaporates, which results in a great texture.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
- Frozen Cauliflower Rice
- Olive oil
- Tumeric
- Salt, Pepper
- Peas
- Tomatoes (fresh or sun-dried)
- Sliced toasted almonds
Variations
- Replace peas with golden raisins. You could even use both.
- Replace almonds with toasted pine nuts.
- Replace grape tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add a pinch, just a pinch, of saffron if you have it.
Mediterranean Rice Pairs with These Recipes
- Roast Chicken
- Za’atar Spiced Lamb Chops
- Grilled Lamb Loin Chops
- Lamb Meatballs
- Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs
More Recipes with Cauliflower Rice
- Keto Shrimp Creole Cauliflower Rice
- Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
- Shrimp and Cheesy Cauliflower Grits
- Cauliflower Rice Risotto
- Keto Cajun Shrimp
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Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen rice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil more if needed
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 cup frozen peas see notes
- 1 cup grape tomatoes or 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme or fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper more if needed
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan. Add frozen cauliflower directly to pan without any fat, at first. Heat the cauliflower through and stir frequently.
- Once the cauliflower is heated through, add the oil, stir through, add turmeric, salt, pepper.
- Slice grape tomatoes. If using sun-dried, add a little of the oil in the jar for more flavor and chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
- Add frozen peas and continue cooking until peas are cooked through. You may add more olive oil.
- Toast almonds in toaster oven for one minute or toast in a frying pan. Keep in mind, almond slices burn easily. Add to rice.
- Add fresh herbs and more salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
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