Couscous is one of those easy back pocket starches that is perfect for last minute dinners. It takes five minutes to cook and is always super satisfying when served alongside a chicken tagine. Luckily, its equally hands-off and lightning fast to do a grain-free version using cauliflower!
Simply pulse the florets in a food processor to create a crumbly couscous-like texture. You can also find frozen riced cauliflower now in most supermarkets, but I promise it wont take much time to make your own.
In this recipe, I use a turmeric hack to get the saffron-hue of couscous or yellow rice pilafs, without having to shell out the cash for those rare threads.
If pine nuts are too rich for your blood too, you can swap slivered almonds or chopped cashews. Really any nut or dried fruit works well heremany varieties are staples of Moroccan cooking.
This cauliflower couscous is a fabulous paleo weeknight side for pretty much any protein, especially if served with this green harissa as an additional condiment.
With health and hedonism,
Phoebe
Cauliflower Couscous with Golden Raisins and Mint
This paleo version of quick couscous uses cauliflower rice as the base, anti-inflammatory turmeric to create that yellow hue and lots of herbs for flavor!
- 1 head cauliflower (cored, broken into small florets)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins (plumped in warm water for 10 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mint
- Place cauliflower florets into a food processor. Pulse several times until the cauliflower looks like a coarse meal, resembling traditional couscous.
- Cover the bottom of a large saut pan with a thin layer of water. Add the salt, turmeric, and zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cauliflower couscous to the pot, arranging in an even layer. Return to a simmer, then reduce heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the pan and steam for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool uncovered. Discard the zest.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and stir in the golden raisins, pine nuts and mint. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.