Cauliflower Rice with Cheese (V)

This is a great way to cook cauliflower. Its great for people who are trying to cut carbohydrates from their diet and there are so many different flavours you can add to it. Simply par boil the cauliflower florets and crush with a fork. They don't go to a mash or a puree, but stay in pieces that gives it the texture and look of rice.

In this version I used the old fashioned cauliflower cheese and have just added cheese, shallots and garlic which is just delicious as a side dish. But as the vegetable stands up well by itself - you can add chicken, ham, spices.. let your imagination go wild. You could have it cold and dress with a vinaigrette, with maybe added bacon bits. Try it and you'll find yourself using this again and again.

Here I have hot cauliflower rice topped with crispy shallots with sausages and a tomato salad.

Ingredients:     (Serves 4)

1 head cauliflower   
2 shallots, chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. soft cheese (like Philadelphia)
handful grated cheese (like gruyere or cheddar)
salt & pepper

Method:

Cut the stalks off the cauliflower so you are just left with the florets. Par boil for about 6-87minutes in boiling water and drain. Mash with a fork to make the cauliflower 'rice'.

In a separate large pan, fry the shallots until beginning to brown and then add the cauliflower and stir. Add the garlic powder, the cheeses and season with salt & pepper. Heat through to melt the cheese and you are ready to serve, Its that simple.

For the crispy shallots:

Peel and slice two shallots into rings. Put into a bowl and cover with a little milk to soak for 5 minutes. Drain off the milk and add a tbsp. flour and mix with your fingers. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy based pan and drop in the shallots. Cook until brown and crispy and drain on kitchen paper. These can be done hours ahead of the meal if liked. They don't need to be hot, but add a lovely texture to the dish.

I really want to try this as a salad next with crispy pancetta, thinly sliced cherry tomatoes and a vinaigrette! Delicious!