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Tomato & Basil Cauliflower Rice

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Cauliflower rice is the new white rice in my home. I honestly don’t think my husband will ever another bite of white rice at this point. LOL. White rice is already easy to make but cauliflower cuts the time in half and you can make so many things with it, as you would with rice. This tomato & basil cauliflower rice is probably my favorite so far. I’ve made a few different ones, including Stir Fry Cauliflower Rice (Meatless Monday) that I’ve shared with you.

Tomato & Basil

Tomato and basil is a great combination. Add some feta and you get even more flavors. For this dish, I used cauliflower rice, cherry tomatoes, basil and feta cheese. For the seasonings, I used salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar. I also added a splash of lime for serving.

cauliflower rice
Tomato & Basil Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Rice vs White Rice

Cauliflower rice cooks quickly, as it’s cauliflower cut up into tiny bits, to resemble rice. The texture is obviously a bit different. But for a person who grew up eating rice on a daily basis, I can say it is not much of a difference, in my opinion. After eating a nice bowl of cauliflower, I feel great and not heavy, like rice makes me feel.

I love rice but it is not something I eat everyday. For a healthier choice, cauliflower is definitely the way to go. It also cooks so much faster! Plus you can indulge in more “rice” without feeling guilty! 3/4 of a cup of cauliflower is just 20 calories! A 12 oz bag is just 90 calories. Go ahead and indulge in this cauliflower rice!

some tips

  • Because cauliflower is bland, make sure to add your favorites seasonings. I have done taco style, as well. Adding taco seasoning and other vegetables, cup up.
  • Cut up vegetables small, to have the same ratio as the cauliflower rice.
  • If adding onions, cook the onions until translucent. Cooking the onion ahead, gives your dish more flavor. But any other vegetable can be tossed with the cauliflower. It will cook at the same speed.
  • For this dish, add the feta and basil at the very end. You want the basil to stay fresh and not necessarily cooked.
  • Feta does not melt on the stove top. Regardless, you want the feta chunks for extra texture.
  • Drizzle balsamic glaze for serving.

Balsamic Vinegar vs Balsamic Glaze

Why did I use both on this dish? Balsamic vinegar is great to cook with but also to use on salads. Balsamic glaze is great to drizzle on any dish. The difference from balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze, is the texture. Vinegar is liquid and the glaze is obviously thicker. The glaze contains sugar, which give its a sweeter taste and less tangy, compared to balsamic vinegar.

I used the glaze at the end for serving, for that extra balsamic flavor.

Tomato & Basil Cauliflower Rice

Recipe by Azilde ElizabethCourse: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz of cauliflower rice

  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 cup of feta cheese

  • 1 tbsp of olive oil

  • 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tbsp of fresh basil leaves + more for serving

  • balsamic glaze for serving (drizzle)

  • splash of lime/lemon for serving

  • salt

  • pepper

Directions

  • Heat a large non-stick frying pan, on MED HI. Add a tbsp of olive oil and add the tomatoes and cauliflower.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Then add the balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook for about 7 minutes or until cauliflower is to your liking. About 7-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the fresh basil and feta.
  • Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, splash of lime/lemon and top with some more fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • make sure to break up to chunks of cauliflower, if using frozen cauliflower

This tomato & basil cauliflower rice is my favorite combination so far. Let me know what you think!

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3 thoughts on “Tomato & Basil Cauliflower Rice

  1. I have to try this one too. In Italy we make rice with tomato and it’s really good! But I’ve never tried it with cauliflower 🙂

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