Trying to eat more vegetables or watching your carbs? You'll love this festive side dish featuring cauli rice. Jeweled Cauliflower Rice with Figs is delicious.
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: Cauli Rice, Cauliflower Rice
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 138kcal
Ingredients
5cupscauliflower floretsabout 1 head
2tablespoonsplus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 3/4teaspoonplus ½ teaspoon kosher salt
½teaspoonground turmeric
¼teaspoonground cumin
¼teaspoonground cinnamon
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4cupchopped Orchard Choice® or Sun-Maid® California Mission Figs6 ounces
1piecelemon zest2-inch
1cuphot water
1tablespoonall-purpose flour
1red onionhalved and sliced into half moons
Leavesfrom 2 sprigs fresh cilantro
Leavesfrom 2 sprigs fresh parsley
Leavesfrom 1 sprig fresh mint
½cupslivered almondslightly toasted
¼cuppomegranate seedsabout ½ pomegranate, seeded
Instructions
Make the cauliflower rice: Pulse the cauliflower florets in two batches in a food processor, until finely chopped (they will resemble rice grains). Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 ¾ teaspoon salt, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and a dash of pepper; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cauliflower, gently folding it into the spiced oil until coated. Stir in the figs, lemon zest, and water. Cover and cook until the cauliflower is fork tender, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Make the crispy onions: Line a plate with a paper towel. Set aside. Separate the stacked onion into single slices. Mix the flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and dash of pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge the onion slices in the flour. Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into a large skillet, set over medium heat. Place the onion slices in a single layer in the skillet. Saute until golden brown on both sides, turning gently with tongs. Place them on the paper towel-lined plate.
To assemble the cauliflower rice: Stack the cilantro, parsley, and mint leaves. Finely chop the herbs. Spoon the cauliflower rice into a large shallow bowl or serving platter; remove and discard the lemon zest. Top with the crispy onions, almonds, pomegranate seeds, and the finely chopped herbs. Serve immediately.