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Cauliflower Rice: Healthy And Guilt-Free Recipe For Lunch or Dinner

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One of the best replacements for fried or herbed rice is cauliflower rice. It has a low glycemic index and can be prepared quickly. It is also an excellent choice for gluten-allergic people exploring guilt-free options.

prep time 00 Hour 20 Mins
cook time 00 Hour 15 Mins
chef Team Kitchen Diaries

A gluten-free diet has become the need of the hour with rising cases of patients complaining of allergic symptoms – bloating, diarrhoea, headaches, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, and whatnot. When you are asked to give up pizza, pasta, roti, paratha, processed oats, noodles, beer, etc., it stings a lot. Since Indians grew up eating wheat or maida-based flatbreads, baked goods, and noodles, among other things, giving up is not easy.

It is difficult to incorporate gluten-free millets if you don’t like the taste. And for how long can you eat just rice? This is where cauliflower rice comes into the picture for guilt-free indulgence. It’s a simple recipe that has a complex flavour profile. Much like regular grains, you can infuse different notes into grated florets that mimic the texture of rice. It’s like a blank canvas with endless possibilities, only here you use vibrant spices and vegetables instead of watercolours. 

Cauliflower is not only a good substitute for rice, bu

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Step 1

Grate the whole cauliflower in a bowl. If you want to use a food processor, cut the medium-sized chunks of florets and blitz them into a chunky blend. Work in batches; otherwise, you will end up with a cauliflower paste.

Step 2

Sprinkle some salt over the grated cauliflower and leave it aside for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the vegetable to release excess moisture.

Step 3

Transfer the cauliflower to a muslin cloth and drain excess water. It will help you maintain the grainy texture, and the dish won’t turn out lumpy. Spread it on a plate and fluff it up with a fork.

Step 4

Dry roast almonds in a hot pan until they are toasty and develop a darker brown hue than their natural counterparts. Transfer them into a bowl and keep them aside to cool off.

Step 5

Melt butter in the skillet and add garlic once it starts bubbling. Sauté the minced garlic until it releases its aroma and becomes fragrant. It will take you about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper. Sauté the ingredients until they are toasty, light brown, and crispy. This should take you about 5-7 minutes on a medium flame.

Step 7

Sprinkle pounded almonds and herbs, including coriander leaves, basil, onion greens, dill, and chives. Greens will make the dish appear vibrant, add fresh notes, and elevate it to the high-end restaurant level. Squeeze the lemon juice and serve.

Tips and Tricks

  • You can make this dish more nutritious and rich in fibre just by adding more vegetables. After sauteing garlic, add finely-chopped bell peppers, capsicums, French beans, onions, cabbage, etc.
  • You can experiment with broccoli as well. Instead of cauliflower, grate broccoli, or use both for a flush of colour and a flood of nutrients.
  • If you are using a food processor, add a handful of florets at one time and run the appliance for 2-3 seconds. If you fill the jar with florets or run the appliance for a longer time, you will end up with a paste which is not ideal for the texture you are trying to achieve.
  • Use high heat while sauteing cauliflower rice, just as you would do while making fried rice. Cauliflower does not need to be cooked for a long time, and subjecting it to a high flame helps you lock in crispiness inside and elevate the texture of the dish.
  • Always season the rice in the end because early seasoning can make the vegetables gooey by promoting the release of moisture. The structural integrity is crucial for this dish to be called cauliflower rice.
  • The difference between a boring and a lip-smacking dish is flavour. Everything you add (or don’t add) and its amount plays a significant role in the flirting game of the ingredients with your palate. A squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of butter on the top, a pinch of oregano on the top, a sprinkle of fresh greens, and a zesty finish can instantly add oomph to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cauliflower rice is healthy, especially if you are suffering from a gluten allergy or heart ailments.

Yes, you can cook cauliflower and rice together, provided the vegetable is grated and has no moisture, while the grains are refrigerated and cold.

No, cauliflower rice has a low glycemic index, which is why it can be relished by people struggling to maintain their blood-sugar levels.

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