Turmeric Cauliflower Rice (Printable)

A vibrant golden cauliflower dish with turmeric and aromatic spices, ready in 20 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.3 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasoning

04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
05 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
09 - Pinch of red chili flakes, optional

→ Finish & Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
11 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# Directions:

01 - Place cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until the texture resembles rice grains. Work in batches if needed.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
03 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the ground turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aromatics.
05 - Add the riced cauliflower and salt. Stir well to coat evenly with the spices and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
06 - Remove from heat. Squeeze over the lemon juice and toss with fresh cilantro or parsley.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, which means weeknight dinner suddenly feels less stressful.
  • The spices are warm and grounding without being heavy, making it the perfect side for everything from roasted chicken to curry.
  • You get to feel genuinely good about what you're eating without sacrificing actual flavor.
02 -
  • Don't skip the minute of toasting the spices—it's the difference between tasting like turmeric was sprinkled on top versus actually being infused into every bite.
  • Riced cauliflower releases moisture as it cooks, which is why you don't want to cover the pan; letting that steam escape keeps everything light instead of steamed and mushy.
03 -
  • Buy whole spices and grind them yourself if you're feeling ambitious—the flavor difference is something you'll actually notice and won't regret.
  • Don't let anyone tell you that healthy food has to taste boring; this is proof that nourishing and delicious are absolutely not mutually exclusive.
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