Cauliflower rice is everywhere these days. You can find it on restaurant menus, your Instagram feed, even grocery stores are selling bags of raw cauliflower rice. It’s a trend I am definitely on board. Cauliflower is versatile enough that it can be combined with a whole range of different flavours. When made into rice it’s a fantastic way to sneak extra vegetables into your diet. I also find the ‘rice’ preparation of cauliflower feels more like a comfort food, like actual rice.
When preparing cauliflower rice I like to cook the cauliflower in the oven at a high heat instead of on the stove top. I find it less high maintenance.
I think my proximity to Eataly inspired this recipe. I love browsing their fresh produce, seafood, and italian goods. I think it’s worth spending money on good quality ingredients, such as a nice olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes in pure olive oil, because they have a great impact on the flavour of the dish. This dish is pretty tasty so don’t be surprised if you eat most of it before you have time to serve it!
- 1/3 cup raw walnuts
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 cup tightly packed basil leaves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp currants
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the walnuts on a baking tray in a single layer and toast for 7-10 minutes. Walnuts are finished when they appear a shade darker and smell toasty. Cool completely.
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until it resembles rice but is still coarse. You should have about 6 cups. Mix cauliflower with 3 tbsp of olive oil. Divide cauliflower between two baking trays in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until softened and golden, tossing halfway through.
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Meanwhile, clean your food processor and begin the pesto. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, capers, garlic, walnuts, basil leaves, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until a coarse paste.
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Combine the cauliflower, pesto mixture, and currants. Enjoy warm!