Cauliflower Mexican Rice (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
5 minute read
Aromatic and full of warm spices, this Paleo Mexican cauliflower rice is everything you want in a healthy, super tasty, low carb side dish! With just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have, you can have this tantalizing dish prepped and ready to eat in just a few minutes. It is perfect as a side dish to your favorite Mexican mains or as a delicious, spicy base layer for a crave-able burrito bowl!
Why is Cauliflower So Good for You?
Cauliflower belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables with broccoli, arugula, and cabbage. I love how versatile it is and how it is found in so many dishes from all over the world! It’s delicate flavor and hearty texture make it a great addition to veggie platters, curries, hummus, and more!
Creative ways to add more cauliflower to your whole food diet
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Mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes
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Add it to soups or stews
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Make a delicious curry
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Be creative and enjoy this super nutritious food!
Vitamins
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Vitamin B6(pyridoxine): There are many benefits from a diet rich in vitamin B6. It plays a role in our immune health, metabolism, and brain health. Vitamin B6 is essential in creating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in emotional health and sleep [1].
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Vitamin B9 (folate): This vitamin is essential in the production of your genetic material (DNA and RNA), supports metabolism, and works with other B vitamins in regulating homocysteine [2].
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Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Supports metabolic pathways and plays a role in making red blood cells.
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Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress, improves the absorption of non-heme iron, supports the immune system, and healthy bones [3].
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Vitamin K: Vitamin K1 is essential in your body’s clotting ability and is converted to vitamin K2 in your gut. Vitamin K2 is essential in maintaining healthy bones and skin.
Minerals
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Phosphorus: Supports healthy teeth and bones, muscle recovery after working out, and detoxification.
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Manganese: Essential mineral in supporting blood sugar regulation, glucose metabolism, and supporting healthy brain and nerve function [4].
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Potassium: Plays a role in your body’s hydration and cellular fluid balance, with sodium being the counter balance.
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Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, it support healthy nerve functions, healthy blood pressure, and detoxification.
Fiber: Around three grams of insoluble fiber per cup! Insoluble fiber is essential in gut health and promotes healthy movement.
Choline: An essential nutrient that many people are actually deficient in! Choline is necessary in the production of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin: phospholipids necessary for cell membrane health. It is also essential in the production of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter in brain and nervous system health [5].
Antioxidants: Several including sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant that supports the production of glutathione, neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, and reduces inflammation [6].
Low Glycemic: Cauliflower is a great source of nutrients and it will not cause a spike in your blood sugars, and due to the fiber it contains, may help to keep your blood sugars more stabilized.
One of the many reasons I love this Paleo Mexican cauliflower rice dish is because it helps to support a low carb and keto lifestyle while staying Whole30 friendly! It is loaded with warm and yummy spices, is so easy to make, and is perfection as a side dish to tacos, in a brimmed out burrito bowl, or with your favorite Mexican inspired dish!
Cauliflower Mexican Rice Ingredients:
¼ cup Grass-Fed Ghee
¾ cup No Sugar Added Salsa
1-2 Tbsp Jarred Chilis opt
1 tsp Chili Powder
½ tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Ground Cumin
¼ tsp Chipotle Powder opt
½ tsp Real Kosher Salt
½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
¼ cup Fresh Cilantro minced
24 oz Cauliflower Rice *
Cauliflower Mexican Rice (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
Aromatic and full of warm spices, this Paleo Mexican cauliflower rice is everything you want in a healthy, super tasty, low carb side dish!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Grass-Fed Ghee
- ¾ cup No Sugar Added Salsa
- 1-2 Tbsp Jarred Chilis opt
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Ground Cumin
- ¼ tsp Chipotle Powder opt
- ½ tsp Real Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro minced
- 24 oz Cauliflower Rice *
Instructions
- To a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, simmer the ghee, salsa, chilis and spices until reduced by half and thickened.
- Turn heat to high and add the cauliflower rice, sautéing until heated thru and the moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in the cilantro and serve!
Notes
*Can be frozen cauliflower rice or fresh grated cauliflower rice
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Cauliflower Mexican Rice (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
Amount per Serving
Calories
166
% Daily Value*
Fat
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
7
g
44
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Cholesterol
29
mg
10
%
Sodium
673
mg
29
%
Potassium
630
mg
18
%
Carbohydrates
12
g
4
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
650
IU
13
%
Vitamin C
85
mg
103
%
Calcium
46
mg
5
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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FAQs
Q: Is it best to use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice to make Mexican cauliflower rice?
A: You can use either, I prefer the convenience of frozen, especially during busy weeks, however, fresh is super tasty too!
Q: How long will Mexican cauliflower rice keep once it’s been made?
A: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-days!
Q: How do I know when my salsa mixture has reduced enough before adding the riced cauliflower?
A: You want to reduce it by half, it should have thickened and be the consistency of a thick salsa. You want to cook off excess moisture to concentrate the flavors because the riced cauliflower will add more moisture and the less moisture in the pan, the less soggy the Mexican cauliflower rice will be.
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Welcome to Almond Milk and Cookies where good food, health and lots of flavor go hand-in-hand!
I am a holistic nutritionist with an auto-immune disorder, a love of cooking, and a passion for holistic health.
Sharing what I make and eat with all of you…in hopes that you find inspiration here to fuel your body and feel your best with nutrient dense whole foods and clean eating.
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