Wow, happy October 1st! It’s Halloween season already!? I’d rather not think about that (nightmares of scary never-ending winters are happening full force!). But that just means I am one month closer to winter break and going home! Plus, I mean, Fall isn’t horrible (yes it is), but there are a few small redeeming qualities. You know I love scarves, pumpkin, fall produce (apples!), hot drinks, big sweaters and comfy sweats. I also like pretending in my mind that I do fun fall activities like apple-picking, bonfires, enjoying the colors of nature, snuggling up by the fire, festivals, races, etc. But really, no, I never do any of that. Sad life 😛
I’m also going to not share the fall fun with a fall recipe today. No pumpkin, apples, squash, comfy soups. (Side note: I actually am not a fan of apple recipes. Why kill an apple, a beautiful apple, and ruin the beauty that is eating a whole, crisp, sweet, juicy apple. That first bite! O like nothing else…I digress). Instead I am going to share a recipe I have been craving! But it also is one that makes me sad, reminiscent. It was the last new recipe I made before I left home 🙁 I even ate the leftovers the night before I left. So it’s beautiful and sad at the same time, but the goodness outweighs everything else!
Fake “carb” dishes have been booming all over the place lately! With the rise of paleo and such, people are testing out crazy things. Crazy things that just happen to be absolutely delectable (like beet or zucchini noodles)! I have always been intrigued by cauliflower rice, but have been hesitant to make it since my tummy is sensitive to the cruciferous veggies. But I finally said screw it, and bite the bullet.
And I am so glad I did! This stuff was out of this world! Who knew cauliflower could make my favorite kind of “rice” 😉 I would pick this over the actual grain any day! Maybe it is how I seasoned and cooked it up, but this doesn’t even taste like cauliflower. It just tastes like sweet tomato basil rice goodness!
I had an opened jar of my beloved tomato paste and needed to use that up too before I left. I had thought about using actually tomato sauce, but I am so glad I went with the paste like I usually do. The flavor is so much stronger and sweeter. It coated the “rice” perfectly instead of making it “swim” in sauce.
This yummy side dish is full of Italian herbs and spices too! We’ve got basil of course, marjoram, and oregano. Onion, garlic, pepper. All of that makes the best low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, vegan, super-healthy dish that will satisfy and fulfill your Italian comfort food craving. (Really it will!)
Tomato Basil Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients: (serves 4)
+ 1 Large Head of Cauliflower
+ 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
+ 1 1/2 Tsp Dried Basil
+ 1/2 Tsp Marjoram
+ 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
+ 1/2 Tsp Chopped Garlic
+ 1/8 Tsp Black Pepper
+ 1/4 Cup Salt-Free Tomato Paste
+ Dried Parsley for Garnish
Directions:
+ Cut Cauliflower into small florets. Place in a food processor and process until “riced”. Depending on the size of your processor you’ll probably have to do this is batches like I did.
+ In a large saute pan, add the cauliflower and the rest of the ingredients. Saute, covered, for about 5-8 minutes on medium high heat. Remove and serve! (Quick and easy, right?)
When you need some rice in your life, but you only have a lonely cauliflower…now you have a solution 😉 You’ll be surprised by how good this tastes! I promise it is so worth it! And a bonus, it tastes like pure gold eaten cold the next day. I think it tastes even better this way! Topped with raw cashews and it was the perfect mid-day snack for me.
So tell me:
+ Have you tried cauliflower rice?
+ Random: Broccoli or Cauliflower? For me, I love them both best eating wise is steamed broccoli and raw cauliflower.
*Recipe linking up for the week! WIAW, Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, #WeekendBites, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Gluten-Free Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays!*
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kimmythevegan
“I actually am not a fan of apple recipes. Why kill an apple, a beautiful apple, and ruin the beauty that is eating a whole, crisp, sweet, juicy apple. That first bite! O like nothing else…I digress”
Agreed! I’m not a huge fall fan actually. The only things I really like about it are squash (YUM!) and Hallowe’en ;p
This dish sounds good! I have not made cauliflower rice yet, I keep seeing it, but hasn’t made it’s way to my list yet. This sounds very good – I like the sound of your seasonings (and am a tomato paste fan myself).
If you have a bit of a hard time digesting veggies like this, try steaming them first. That’s what I do, it really helps break it down and makes your tummy a happy one =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha squash and pumpkin …all Fall produce make things…maybe bareable!
Katerina
I used to hate cauliflower, now I love it! Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned in our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Katerina!
Purelytwins
love cauliflower rice!! this looks yummy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too! 🙂
Stacey Guilliatt (Nobody Said It Was Easy)
I’ve seen quite a few of my friends eating this and it’s been on my to try list, I must do soon! #tastytuesdays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Your friends know what’s good 😉
Jen Avellenada
Delicious, healthy, and a great alternative to thigh bulging, carb filling traditional rice.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You got that right!
Raia
Sooo… basically a paleo Spanish rice? 🙂 Sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays! So glad to see all the recipes you link up. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m pretty sure tomato basil is Italian 😉
Raia
Haha. Well, either way it sounds good. 😉
Adelina Priddis
I have been itching to try the cauliflower rice, and your recipe is just even more tantalizing! Good thing I just bought a head of the veggie too. Thanks for sharing on Weekend Bites
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yesss! Time to start cooking 😉
Deborah Davis
Hi Rebecca,
What a creative and delectable dish! I am looking forward to trying this. Thank you so much for sharing this healthy and delicious tomato basil cauliflower rice recipe at the Plant-Based Potluck Party Blog Hop!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Deb.
Honest mum
Never tried this but as a low-carber, I want to! I did have cauliflower soup tonight with Stilton! I want to make a cauliflower pizza base soon too! This looks delicious! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I want to try cauliflower pizza too! I’ve got to work on a vegan base for that!
Stephanie
Looks delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Marla
HI Rebecca,
Such a healthy nutritious recipes that sounds tasty and hearth warming on a cool Fall day. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Twitted & pinned.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Marla 🙂
Kierston
I think I need to give cauliflower another go! Looks absolutely delish. Thanks for linking up to #RECIPEFRIDAY 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes try it again! Just flavor it up and you’ll love it 🙂
Sarah
This is totally our of my comfort zone when it comes to cooking but it looks and sounds delicious!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cooking is all about getting out of your comfort zone! Be adventurous and have fun!
Deborah Davis
Hi Rebecca,
I just hopped by from Healthy Vegan Fridays. This light and luscious dish is a nice departure from my usual brown rice with veggies. This is a must-try for me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! If you end up making it, let me know Deb!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I love this!!! It would be so perfect with the pumpkin-tomato sauce I did today. Cauliflower rice is the jam. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, Yesssss! That would be one veggie power-packed dish!
Cat
I literally went through a head of cauliflower in 2 days last week by making cauli rice! It was kind of cauli mash when I was done with it, and after I doused it in a load of butter and herbs… oh my YUM. I love the idea of adding tomato to it and trying other ways of flavouring it – I bet a pesto version would be AMAZING!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The flavors you choose to use with it totally make the dish!
Robyn @ simply fresh dinners
Hi Rebecca,
I haven’t tried cauliflower rice but I sure will now. Thanks for a great recipe! Always enjoy visiting your lovely blog. Popping over from Real Food Fridays today. Have a great weekend.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Robyn 🙂
Sophie at Franglaise Cooking
This looks and sounds amazing, but I’m always curious with these fake “carb” dishes, do they actually fill you up as obviously they are vegetables and not carbs, I’m always worried I’ll eat them and be hungry later…..But I’m still going to pin this recipe and try it out! Thanks for sharing.
#Recipeoftheweek
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fiber fills you up, not carbs! Plus this is a side dish, haha! I would never just eat this as my main dinner!
Kelli @Hungry Hobby
Broccoli all the way! I love cauliflower but I hate the mess and the smell. This recipe seems worth the trouble though it looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it is not messy at all! Seriously this was one of the easiest and quickest things ever! (I was surprised!)
Susan - ofeverymoment
I can’t wait to try this – and I am going to pass it along to a friend with a rice allergy!! Glad I found this at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Susan! Glad I could help you and your friend out! XOXO
Kate
This looks delicious! I need to learn to get more creative with rice.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea! Jazz it up by not even using it 😛
Athletic Avocado
that tomato basil cauliflower rice looks to die for! Great Recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thanks my friend! XOXO
Autumn
Love cauliflower! Great stuff here. Must remember to make it this way, thanks for the reminder!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, a yummy reminder indeed 😉
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
Love that this recipe is so easy! I’ve only had cauliflower rice once but really liked it. I’m the exact opposite of you: I love fall! I’m a sucker for all things fall and can’t help but love everything pumpkin, apple, or squash related. I also love sweater weather 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well I love all those things….but I’ll take them in the summer instead 😉
Erlene
I need to introduce this to my rice loving hubby, who needs to cut back on his starches. Thanks for sharing this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I bet he will love it 😉 Don’t tell him and see if he notices!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma)
This looks amazing! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Cindy!
Pure Grace Farms
I love the sound of this unique dish. You are always so creative with your dishes. Pinning to try soon.
Blessings,
Shari
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thanks so much Shari 🙂 XOXO
Emma @em-poweredwellness
I love cauliflower rice! I make a cilantro-lime version for Mexican dishes, but this sounds delicious. I agree with you on fall…I love scarves, pumpkin, and the smell of fall air, but it makes me sad that the long, warm days of summer are coming to an end.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The perfect addition to Mexican cuisine!
I’ll take summer back ANY day of the week!
lindsay
okay, i need both versions! love these flavors!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cilantro and Lime is just….well cilantro and lime 😛
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Ohh I want to try this! Looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta make it! Haha, thanks Erin 😉
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Hi from WIAW! Love this! Cauliflower rice is so good and will take on almost any flavor! I adore roasted broccoli and cauliflower – that has to be my favorite way to eat both of those veggies! I love the use of tomato paste here – I agree it’s so much sweeter and you don’t have to worry about watering down such a delicate dish! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Eh these are two veggies I DON’T like roasted, haha!
But yea, tomato paste is my favorite!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Yum! I love cauliflower rice too. Don’t miss the carbs at all. Thanks for linking up with us today. Hope you will visit the hostesses and all the other recipes too. Looking forward to seeing you add into our next Meatless Monday as well.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s so good right!
Charlene Maugeri
That looks so good and I would have never thought of that! I love rice but too much is not good. haha
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Then this is a great way to switch it up!
Erica @ erica finds
Can’t wait to make this! I will try it this weekend with some farmers market cauliflower! I like Cauliflower best!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know how it comes out!!!!
The Food Hunter
What a great idea
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Lean Lena
Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much for linking up with the Tasty Tuesday party!
I haven’t yet tried the cauliflower rice, so I’m pinning your recipe to our Tasty Tuesday Pinterest Board for later
Thanks again for stopping by and sharing this beautiful recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally try it!
Jeanette Chen
I haven’t tried cauliflower rice yet, but it’s been on my list to try – love the tomato basil flavoring!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Move it up the list and make it now! I know I waited to long, haha!
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
The flavors sound so great in this dish! Thanks for the grain-free inspiration! Pinned it!
Warmly,
Jennifer
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks you Jennifer! 🙂
Alex @ Mommy Track Fitness
This sounds and looks delish. Will definitely be trying it. As for Broccoli vs Cauliflower — hands down cauliflower.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Alex! Woohoo Cauli-lovers! It totally rocks broccoli in the the raw department!
Jennifer F
My fav way to eat califlower is just roasted in the oven — I thought you had to do it with a potato ricer so it’s good to know it can be done with the food processor
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, no way! I just threw mine in my mini tiny processor and it worked like a charm!
Emily @My Healthyish Life
I’ve only tried cauliflower rice once and I didn’t like it…but you’ve convinced me to give it another shot!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I thought it would be terrible too, but really with the tomato and herbs….it is heaven on a plate!
Jen
I haven’t tried cauliflower rice yet but it’s on my short list of things to do. I eat a plant based diet and I’m always looking for great, healthy and nutritious recipes like this one. Thank you for sharing – pinned for future reference!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You definitely want to try cauli-rice then! Its such a fun and creative dish to make 🙂
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
Oh my yum!!! So pretty too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Brittany! XOXO
CARLA
Im notorious for ruining EVERYTHING in the kitchen — so Ive been afraid to rice 🙂
I need to feel the fear and rice anyway!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes you do! It’s so easy Carla, you can do it!!!!
Tina Muir
This looks great Rebecca! The one time I made cauliflower rice, I was really not impressed, but I think I didnt use the right flavors with it. Yours sounds great! Thanks for linking up 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Try it again! Really I was so surprised by how good it tasted! I went in with low expectations, but I was blown-away, haha!
Becca from ItsYummi.com
I’ve had cauliflower rice on my to-make list for at least a year now. I can’t believe I still haven’t had it. I think it’s partly because I’m a tad lazy and it looks like a tedious process to process all of the cauliflower. Just need to get off of my duff and do it 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That was my same thinking and why it took me so long too! But it is actually super easy! Less then 5 minutes!