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Vegan Italian-Style Cauliflower Rice
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5 from 2 votes

Italian-Style Cauliflower Rice

This vegan Italian-style cauilflower rice is one of the most effortless dishes to throw together, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it's packed with feel-good veggies to help you power through those exceptionally over-scheduled days.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main, Side
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (no salt added) or less to taste
  • cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • ¼ cup mild giardiniera, oil strained off (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Bragg's Aminos or tamari (adds depth to the flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 2 heaping cups baby spinach (about 2.5 ounces)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  • Rice the cauliflower florets by either processing in a food processor with a grater attachment, pulsing in a food processor with a s-blade, or grating by hand with a grater. If you pulse it in the food processor, you'll want to divide it into two batches so that it evenly processes. You want rice-sized pieces.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the riced cauliflower, crushed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, giardiniera, balsamic vinegar, capers, garlic, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender, stirring occasionally. Then, add in the baby spinach and cook another 8 to 10 minutes or until most of the liquid has cooked off, stirring frequently. Add the sea salt and adjust seasoning according to taste preferences. If you added the giardiniera and capers, ¼ teaspoon of salt will likely be plenty; however, if you skipped on one or both, I suggest adding more to season it properly.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh basil, and serve.