PP or PS Springtime Cauliflower Rice

Chef:  Jessica Meyers Altman; Garden Fresh Foodie
Prep Time:  20 minutes
Cook Time:  15 minutes
Total Time:  35 minutes

 

INGREDIENTS

Pilaf Base

• 2 c  red onions-about 1 large (could use regular onions, too)
• 3 c mushrooms, sliced (omit if you are not a fan, of course)
• 7 c of shredded cauliflower (this is about half of a head of cauliflower-use the left overs to roast up for salads)
• 2 T garlic (about 3 cloves) minced
• Several T of water/vegetable broth
• ¾ t-1t salt
• 1 lg or sm bay leaves, remove before eating
• Fresh pepper to taste

2nd step ingredients to Pilaf Base (above)

• Cauliflower Rice Base
• 1 c diced bell pepper, we used red and yellow
• ¾ t dried dill weed
• 2 c of defrosted peas, or fresh snap peas
• 2 lemons, juiced, about 4T
• 4 c of chopped greens (it can be any kind, I used Swiss chard, but have used kale, spinach and collards)
• 2 c blanched broccoli, chopped (to blanch, boil water, and drop florets into water for 1 minute, until bright green.
• ½ c fresh parsley
• 2 T fresh dill (or more to taste)
• Additional salt/pepper as desired
• Serving:  freshly chopped scallions, nuts for serving (this would make the recipe Plant Strong):  pistachios, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds.

DIRECTIONS

1. Shred the cauliflower in a food processor by placing florets in and hitting pulse until finely shredded (but not mush)
2. Heat a large pan, like a wok.  Add onions along with a little broth/water to help saute (not too much, as you want the onions to caramelize slightly, about 2 T.
3. Saute onions until translucent, then add mushrooms, and garlic
4. Add in cauliflower and a bay leaf
5. Saute until cauliflower softens, adding in broth/water as needed to prevent sticking, but just enough to soften the rice without getting too watery
6. Add salt/pepper to taste
7. Add Spring Rice Ingredients (remaining ingredients) quickly to prevent overcooking
8. After making the cauliflower rice pilaf, add in peppers and dried dill, and saute until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes
9. Add greens and lemon juice, with a few T of water (if needed) to allow greens to wilt.
10. When finished, add broccoli, parsley, peas, and fresh dill.  Season with salt/pepper, if needed.
11. Serve topped with scallions, (this next addition would make the recipe PLANT STRONG) and/or slivered almonds, pistachios (what I used), toasted pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds & enjoy! 

TIPS

1. If desired, add in some chickpeas for additional protein.  
2. Great on top of a salad, sweet potato
3. or as a side dish.
4. For a different take on this base, try my Indian Cauliflower Rice Bowl.

Jessica Meyers Altman
Associate Professor of Whole Food Nutrition & Living
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."  Margaret Mead

Garden Fresh Foodie blog: www.gardenfreshfoodie.com 
Instagram www.instagram.com/gardenfreshfoodie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gardenfreshfoodie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gardenfreshfood
Pintrest: www.pintrest.com/gardenfreshfood