Saturday, January 18, 2020

Za'atar Spiced Cauliflower Rice



spiced cauliflower rice



I am obsessed with cauliflower rice, and this za'atar (zahtar) spiced recipe is easy and delicious.
I love the taste, texture, and fluffiness of cauliflower rice. 
For me, it is a perfect substitute for regular white rice, which is high in calories, carbohydrates, and high on the glycemic index,  as opposed to cauliflower rice which is low in calories and low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index.





I buy frozen organic cauliflower rice from either Trader Joe's or Whole foods. It is just $1.99 a 12 ounce bag. The size of the cut of cauliflower is just how I like it, and it takes minutes to heat up in a skillet with a little avocado oil spray.

I normally eat riced cauliflower with just a sprinkling of pink Himalayan salt, cracked pepper, and turmeric. However, for company I make za'atar (zahtar) spiced cauliflower rice which is a little tastier and a little exotic. 



If you are not familiar with za'atar, it is a Middle Eastern spice blend. The brand I buy is gluten free and composed of Hyssop (Zahtar oregano), sesame seeds, parsley, coriander, salt, citric acid, and a little olive oil. Beware: You have to read ingredients, as some brands of za'atar may contain wheat or are not gluten free. 



I made vegan stuffed grape leaves and vegan za'atar spiced cauliflower rice for a pot luck dinner last night. Everyone commented on the cauliflower rice and how tasty it was.

 I used za'atar, cumin seed, turmeric, mushrooms, lemon juice, salt and cracked pepper in this recipe. The combination of za'atar and toasted cumin seed tastes exotic. 




Many of my friends prefer low carb ingredients, so cauliflower rice is a natural choice. 

Aside from the low carb and low calorie benefits, cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable with lots of preventative antioxidants that may be an important factor in preventing certain diseases. 

In fact, The United States Department of Agriculture, Health, and Human Services, which suggests dietary guidelines for Americans, recommends a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.



Regardless of its nutritional value, this easy vegan recipe tastes amazing and makes a wonderful side dish.

Ingredients:
Avocado oil spray (better than olive oil for higher temperature cooking)
2 bags of frozen organic cauliflower rice (12 ounce each)
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
3 medium size white mushrooms, washed and sliced very thin
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
1/2 cup of chopped parsley
Pink salt
1 teaspoon za'atar


Directions:
Add cumin seed to a large skillet and carefully toast it on a medium heat for about a minute. Spray skillet with oil spray and add mushrooms. Sautee for an additional minute. Add packages of cauliflower rice. Use a fork to flatten and separate the frozen clumps that may be stuck together. Spray the cauliflower with a little more oil spray and sprinkle salt and turmeric over the cauliflower. Cook on a medium heat until kernels separate and begin to soften (about 3 minutes). Sprinkle with lemon juice and za'atar. Toss in the parsley and mix well and serve.




Shared on Beth Fish Reads, Weekend Cooking, where anyone can share a food related post.


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20 comments:

  1. Looks like it is cauliflower week for both of us! I have been meaning to try Za'atar for some time, I will definaately try this recipe!

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  2. Za'atar is definitely a delicious spice blend -- I thing you and I have both mentioned it before. That sounds like a tasty combination. I like Trader Joe's stuffed grape leaves but they have rice in them, so you probably wouldn't.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. My husband is Middle Eastern, so I was introduced to Za'atar long before it became popular in the US. We have been using it on hummus for years.

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  3. I love cauliflower rice as well, I need to use it more often.

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  4. I’m going to look for that spice. The flavor combo sounds good to me. Love me some cauliflower any way it’s served.

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  5. za'atar is my favourite spice blend! This sounds like a perfectly healthy side dish.

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  6. This seems to be the week for cauliflower in various guises. This one is sounding very tasty, though I've never bought a bag of riced cauliflower.

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  7. I will look out for cauliflower rice in the freezer section - far better than cutting it by hand! Cheers

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  8. We are coming round to the idea of cauliflower rice and mash. This looks like a delicious version.

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  9. Judee,
    I have been reading so about the many ways to use cauliflower in a more healthy, nutritious life. Since I adore rice and it doesn't feel the same way for me, I've simply got to try your recipe! I started a new weight loss program and cauliflower is OK, but not rice, so this is perfect!
    Thank you so much!
    Roz

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  10. Sounds delicious, Judee! I have a jar of Za'atar, but have never tried it with cauliflower, have to make this soon, thanks!

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  11. This sounds absolutely delicious!

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  12. Looks wonderful! Never heard of this spice! I need to try this recipe. Have a great week. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Looks way more than totally awesome. I do want to make this dish.

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  14. oh just yum! Pinned! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party! Hope to see you at the new party tomorrow too!

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  15. Thanks for this recipe. I bought Za'atar for use in gumbo and then wondered what else I was going to do with it. Thanks! Trying this.

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  16. I've read so many recipes for cauliflower rice and need to pick some up and add them to my (latest) weight loss menu. I've never had Za'atar and need to try it!

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  17. This is a great season idea for the cauliflower rice, awesome! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
    Miz Helen

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