Are you tired of boring side dishes that compromise your health goals? Get ready to transform your meals with this game-changing Garlic Herb Cauliflower Rice – a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that will make you forget all about traditional rice! This recipe is not just a side dish; it's a culinary revolution that brings maximum flavor and minimum calories to your plate, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and exciting.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and pat it dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Cut the cauliflower into large florets, removing the tough central stem.
- Use a food processor or box grater to pulse or grate the cauliflower into rice-like granules, ensuring they are uniform in size.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the grated cauliflower rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper over the cauliflower rice, mixing thoroughly to distribute herbs evenly.
- Cook the cauliflower rice for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness by tasting - the cauliflower should be tender but not mushy, with a slight al dente texture.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always ensure your cauliflower is completely dry before grating to prevent soggy rice.
- Uniform Sizing Matters: Use a food processor for consistent, rice-like granules that cook evenly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each granule gets crispy and well-seasoned.
- Watch Your Heat: Medium heat is crucial – too high will burn the garlic, too low won't develop proper flavor.
- Taste as You Go: The key to perfect cauliflower rice is checking texture and seasoning throughout cooking.
- Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: Consider adding fresh parsley or chives at the end for an extra flavor punch.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with different herb combinations or add protein like grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
