Skip to main content

All-Dressed-Up Cauliflower Rice

5.0

(1)

Image may contain Food Food Presentation Plate Clothing and Hat
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Adriana Paschen, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime

A vegan weeknight dinner of fluffy, textured cauliflower with warm spices from chef Sophia Roe, the host of Counter Space on Vice. For distinct bits of cauliflower that won’t turn into mush once they’re cooked, don’t overcrowd the bowl of your food processor. Doctor up your cauliflower rice with toasted pine nuts or almonds, dates or dried currants, lots of fresh herbs, unsweetened coconut flakes, or chopped fresh chile.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2¼ lb.), broken into florets
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 tsp. ground turmeric
½ tsp. ground coriander
¾ cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 tsp. finely grated lime zest
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. coconut sugar or granulated sugar
Kosher salt
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro
¼ cup unsalted, roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
¼ cup coarsely chopped mint, plus torn leaves for serving
Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt and lime wedges (for serving; optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Working in 2 batches, pulse cauliflower in a food processor until pieces are about the size of rice (you don’t want to overprocess; err on the large side). Transfer cauliflower to a medium bowl lined with a kitchen towel to absorb any extra moisture.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add bell pepper, shallot, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot and garlic are softened slightly, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in curry powder, turmeric, and coriander and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, and coconut sugar; season with salt. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add cauliflower and raisins; cook, tossing occasionally, until cauliflower is just tender, about 3 minutes. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

    Step 3

    Add cilantro, pumpkin seeds, and ¼ cup mint to cauliflower rice and toss to combine. Divide among bowls; top with a dollop of yogurt if using and torn mint. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over if desired.

Read More
This garlicky shrimp scampi version of a classic bisque embraces the technique of blending seafood shells for a luxuriously silky and creamy end result.
Dressed in a spiced yogurt, with ginger and garlic, then roasted until caramelized and tender.
Raw corn kernels add pops of crunchy sweetness to this quick weeknight pasta.
An ex-boyfriend’s mom—who emigrated from Colombia—made the best meat sauce—she would fry sofrito for the base and simply add cooked ground beef, sazón, and jarred tomato sauce. My version is a bit more bougie—it calls for caramelized tomato paste and white wine—but the result is just as good.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Cooking down radicchio with vinegar and sugar until jammy is an eye-opening approach that reveals a world of options beyond salad.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.