Recipe: Cauliflower Rice and Beans

Cauliflower Rice and Beans (Shown with Loaded Lentil Tacos)

Serves 4

Special equipment: Food processor to rice the cauliflower or purchase pre-riced cauliflower

Cauliflower Rice and Beans is a light and fresh side dish, perfect for taking on the vibes of surrounding flavors. Ricing cauliflower is nothing new–a food processor makes quick work of a raw cauliflower but look for pre-riced options in the produce section of your grocery store. Beans add substance and creaminess to this delicate dish and bright, yellow corn adds a pop of color and sweetness. Try zucchini, red bell pepper, or yellow squash for more color, texture, flavor, and nutrition.

As if the taste wasn’t enough, cauliflower brings a bevy of health benefits. Cauliflower contains compounds that may help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Cauliflower can even support healthy bones thanks to vitamin K and calcium. And its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents can help prevent and reduce chronic inflammation.

Be sure to try it with Loaded Lentil Tacos

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, outer leaves removed

1 teaspoon salt

1 (15-ounce) can beans of choice (pinto, black, kidney), drained and rinsed

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Juice from 1 lime

Chopped cilantro, basil, or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. To rice the cauliflower, chop it into pieces. Put the cauliflower into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped into the texture and size of rice. Depending on the size of your processor, you may need to do this in two batches.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower starts to turn translucent.

3. Add the beans, corn, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

4. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings.

5. Garnish with more herbs and serve.