Spanish Cauliflower Rice is a light and healthy side dish mixing cauliflower rice with spice, diced tomatoes, kale and jalapeños. Serve this side dish with your weeknight meals or add beans and make it a meal! This is one you will love! 

SPANISH CAULIFLOWER 

I am really excited about today’s recipe for Spanish Cauliflower Rice  from Julia at The Roasted Root’s new cookbook Let Them Eat Kale! 

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of her new cookbook and can’t wait to try a long list of the recipes including the Cheesy Mashed Yams, Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers and Kale and Chickpea Salad with Ginger-Tahini Dressing.

What I love about her cookbook, aside from the mouth watering photos, is how easily she incorporates kale into each dish and brings rich flavors and spices in to complement it.  

Her book includes information about not only the health benefits of kale but also different methods for preparing kale and incorporating it into your cooking, gardening tips and 75 recipes that include the leafy green. This Spanish Cauliflower Rice vegan recipe is a great example!

I remember a few years ago when kale first became a huge food trend. I have to be honest I wasn’t on board right away and thought it had a slightly bitter taste and was a little bit tough. 

After using kale in salads and cooking with it throughout the past year I have warmed up to it and really like it.  I now try to use it in dishes I cook as much as possible.

It really is a “super” food that offers so many healthy benefits.

If you are wondering what the health benefits are here are just a few: kale is one of the most nutrient-dense super foods in the world.

It contains a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is low in calories, boosts immunity, and fights disease. Kale is full of Vitamins K, A, and C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Just one cup of chopped kale earns you 684% of your daily value of Vitamin K, 206% of Vitamin A, and 134% of Vitamin C.

All of these factors contribute to kale’s ability to help keep your immune system strong and prevent and alleviate disease.

I have become more interested in super foods lately and am trying to incorporate them into my family’s meal.  

If you are looking for an easy side dish that packs a health punch, this is your dish.

When I was looking through Let Them Eat Kale! for a recipe to try I knew I had to make the Spanish Cauliflower Rice.

 We eat a lot of rice in my house and I had never tried creating a rice texture from cauliflower.

 Even my picky husband really enjoyed this Spanish Cauliflower Rice dish!

Continue to Content

Spanish Cauliflower "Rice" {Vegan}

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Spanish Cauliflower "Rice" is a great alternative to regular rice with a similar texture and boasts the flavor of Spanish-style rice. The added kale in this dish makes it a "super" healthy side dish.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 head cauliflower, grated (stems removed)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cups tightly packed green kale leaves
• 1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (unsalted if possible)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Remove the green stems from the cauliflower and chop the head in half. Using a box grater or food processor, grate the whole head of cauliflower (one half at a time).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil to medium-high heat and sauté the onion until fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the grated cauliflower, garlic, and jalapeño to the skillet and stir consistently until the cauliflower begins to cook down and turn brown, about 5-8 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the kale leaves and stir them into the cauliflower rice. Cover the skillet, allowing the kale leaves to soften about 2 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, salt and chili powder, and stir them into the "rice."
6. Continue cooking another 2 to 3 minutes to allow some of the moisture to burn off, stirring consistently.
7. Serve the Spanish Cauliflower "Rice" alongside your favorite meal!