Artificial Food Coloring Free Paleo Smoky Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice done right is genuinely satisfying, and the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne in this version give it a bold, earthy depth that makes it feel like so much more than a simple vegetable side. Every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed — fresh cauliflower, avocado oil, garlic, and a handful of spices — so there's zero chance of hidden dyes or synthetic additives sneaking into your bowl. That's a bigger deal than it sounds, because pre-seasoned rice blends and packaged grain alternatives are notorious for containing artificial colorings that have no business being in your food. The technique matters too: pressing the moisture out of the riced cauliflower before it hits the pan is what gets you those lightly golden, slightly crispy edges instead of a soggy pile. A quick bloom of the spices in hot oil before the cauliflower goes in makes the whole skillet smell incredible and ensures every piece gets coated in that smoky, fragrant base. A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brightens everything up and keeps the flavors clean and lively. Serve it straight from the pan while it's hot and you've got a side dish that genuinely earns its place at the table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Working in two batches, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until broken down into rice-sized pieces, about 8–10 short pulses per batch. The pieces should be roughly uniform, about the size of a grain of rice — stop before the cauliflower turns to mush.
- 2
Spread the riced cauliflower on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and press firmly to absorb excess moisture. This step prevents steaming in the pan.
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