Mexican Cauliflower & Brown Rice Nightshade-free
This Nightshade-Free Mexican Cauliflower & Brown Rice is a flavorful and wholesome dish designed to skip the usual tomatoes and peppers while keeping bold, zesty flavor. It features brown rice, riced cauliflower, garlic, and a signature nightshade-free taco seasoning mix. Infused with saffron, miso paste, and a splash of lime, this recipe delivers satisfying depth without any nightshade ingredients. Optional add-ins like zucchini, nutritional yeast, or chives let you tailor it to your taste and texture preferences. It’s perfect as a hearty side or a stand-alone main and was created to pair deliciously with the Black Bean and Lentil Quesadilla Mix.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions diced
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 medium head cauliflower riced (about 4 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 Tablespoons nightshade-free taco seasoning mix
- Pinch saffron
- 2 Tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice about ½ a lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional
Optional Add Ins
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion or chives
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy note
- ½ cup chopped zucchini or carrots for extra texture and nutrients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients with 2¼ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Removed from heat, leaving covered and let it sit to steam for 10 minutes.
- Finish with flavor:
- Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning to taste, and mix in chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm:
- Great as a side dish or main course. Pairs beautifully with lentil tacos, bean bowls, or as a base for grilled veggies. I created it to pair with my Black Bean and Lentil Quesadilla Mix recipe.
Video
Notes
To increase flavor Sauté the spices:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat or if you’re avoiding oil, bring a dry skillet to heat. Add garlic, cumin, turmeric, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat or if you’re avoiding oil, bring a dry skillet to heat. Add garlic, cumin, turmeric, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Nutrition
Serving: 227gCalories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 7gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.54gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.78gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.65gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 659.98mgPotassium: 592.18mgFiber: 5.44gSugar: 5.75gVitamin A: 49.75IUVitamin C: 57.22mgCalcium: 48.57mgIron: 1.71mg
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