Cauliflower rice is extremely healthy and extremely simple. You only need a food processor or blender to transform this often disregarded veggie into the highlight of the meal.
When I made the decision to go paleo, one of the foods I missed most was rice. I began experimenting immediately. I settled on cauliflower rice. Truly, if you get the right char on the cauliflower, you can fool your family and friends. My family is constantly surprised when I tell them they’re eating spoonful after spoonful of cauliflower.
The cauliflower takes on flavors really well. So, anything you decide to add to the dish will sing. I am a big fan of Chipotle and their cilantro lime rice. This dish is a tribute to their recipe.
Paleo Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is extremely healthy and extremely simple. You only need a food processor or blender to transform this often disregarded veggie into the highlight of the meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of raw cauliflower
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion or yellow onion
- 5 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil EVOO
- 2 large limes juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- sea salt and cracked pepper for taste
Instructions
- Rinse your cauliflower and set aside.
- In a medium sized pan over medium heat, start browning your onions in the EVOO.
- Chop your cauliflower (disregarding the larger portion of the stalk) into about 1” cubes.
- Put about ¼ of the chopped cauliflower in the food processor (or blender) and blend until it has a small – grainy texture. Repeat for the rest of the cauliflower.
- [Note: I divide mine up into 4 steps so I can be sure that all the cauliflower has the same consistency. Too large of a batch could result in unwanted large chunks.]
- Once the onions are slightly browned, add the minced garlic.
- Stir then add the cauliflower.
- Sauté for about 10 minutes over medium/high heat, stirring constantly.
- The moisture from the cauliflower will deglaze the caramelized onions from the pan, allowing the cauliflower to take on the delicious char flavor.
- Once it is to your preferred consistency, stir in the lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Take off heat, stir in cilantro.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 505mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
Could I make this ahead and reheat it before serving?
Of course, Darla! Enjoy!
I am confused at how there can be 14.3 grams of sugar, Could you please explain? Thank you very much.
Hi Christine! I’m so glad you asked. My calculation was wrong! I just did a quick re-tabulation to see where the large number came from, and boiled down to 5 g of sugar a serving. The cauliflower actually has the most natural sugars of the ingredients on the list. I’m updating the post now. Many thanks!
I highly recommend less lime to start out with! I juiced 2 large limes, added it to the recipe, and it was way too much. Once you add too much lime, it’s too late. Not in a hurry to try this recipe again. When I do, i will juice one lime and go from there. 🙂
Hi Tammy! Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry about the overload of lime flavor. I tend to have a heavy hand when it comes to citrus, I’ll include a disclaimer from here out. Thanks again for stopping by and I hope it turns out more to your liking next time! 🙂
Great idea! I have my own version of lime and cilantro rice https://inherchucks.com/2012/02/08/cilantro-lime-rice/ but your recipe is a healthier choice. Can’t wait to give it a try 🙂
Yum! Your rice looks great. Hope you enjoy the cauliflower!
I know I will!
Absolutely yummy!