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Enchilada Cauliflower “Rice”

in Entrees, Other

It’s official.  Labor Day weekend has come and gone.  And you know what that means.  Two very sad realizations: 1. The majority of us have to go back to work today 🙁 and 2. Summer is almost over.  Seriously, how is that possible?  I swear these last three months have literally flown by.  Now don’t get me wrong.  I am beyond excited for the Fall season and all that comes with it (including all things pumpkin-flavored and squash-related), but I am not ready for (nor will I ever be) the Winter-time coldness.  Cold weather and I do not get along.  You would think that I would be used to it having grown up in the Midwest, but I don’t think that is something that will ever happen.

The majority of you probably are not loving this post so far.  I cannot blame you.  It has been kind of depressing.  In order to avoid putting a damper on your Tuesday, I better make sure that I share a tasty recipe with you.  A little word of warning for what is to come…another Mexican-inspired recipe and another recipe involving cauliflower “rice.”  Apparently I am on a major kick with both of these!

enchilada cauliflower rice bake 6yEnchilada Cauliflower “Rice”

*Adapted from Nicole’s recipe.

Servings: 2 large

Ingredients

1 small head cauliflower, chopped
water, for cooking
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 bunch green onions, sliced (reserve 2 TB for topping)
1 cup black beans, cooked
4 TB sliced black olives
1 10 oz can green enchilada sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
black pepper, to taste
salsa verde or salsa, optional
vegan shredded “cheese,” optional

Directions

1. Rice cauliflower.  In two batches, pulse cauliflower in food processor until it resembles the texture of rice.  Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 4 minutes.  Stir, and continue heating for another 3 minutes.

2. While the cauliflower is cooking, line a large skillet with a thin layer of water.  Heat over medium-high heat until very hot.  Once hot, turn the heat down to medium and add garlic, onion, peppers, and green onions to the skillet.  Cook over medium heat for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.  Add additional water, as necessary.

3. Stir in the black beans and olives and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until warm.

4. Lower the heat to medium-low.  Stir in riced cauliflower, enchilada sauce, and seasonings.  Heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Dish up your Enchilada Cauliflower “Rice” and top with salsa and/or vegan “cheese,” if desired.  Top off the dish with the remaining green onions.

enchilada cauliflower rice bake 7yNow who says that Mexican food has to be unhealthy?  I think that this dish would certainly prove that statement to be incorrect.

enchilada cauliflower rice bake 5yI hope that you all aren’t getting TOO sick of cauliflower “rice” recipes because, well, I seem to be a bit addicted and will likely continue cooking with it.  I am sure that there will be more cauliflower “rice” recipes to come!  But don’t worry, if cauliflower “rice” is not your thing, I promise to share plenty of other recipes that do not involve cauliflower ;).

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!  I hope that your first day back to work after the long weekend isn’t too miserable!  Just think, it is only a 4-day work week!

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{ 60 comments… add one }
  • The Cookie ChRUNicles September 3, 2013, 7:23 am
    I am not in the mood for cold weather either lol.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:19 pm
      And unfortunately, it will probably be here before we know it! :(
    • Amy January 30, 2014, 12:35 pm
      Can I put the cauliflower rice in with the onions and garlic to cook instead of putting it in the microwave?
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats September 3, 2013, 7:27 am
    I wish it was a 4 day week here!! Another great cauliflower rice dish, you are loving those right now and I am not complaining as they all look great :)
  • beautifullynutty September 3, 2013, 7:42 am
    I REALLY need to try making cauliflower rice. I have made cauliflower pizza crust and cauliflower mashed "potatoes" but still haven't made the rice. This dish looks incredible my dear!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:21 pm
      It seriously surprises me that you have made cauliflower "rice" before since we are pretty much on the same cooking wavelength! ;) Although, I haven't tried the mashed "potatoes" version so I am slacking!
  • swissfitchick September 3, 2013, 8:27 am
    I don't want the winter cold either! Summer was waaaay too short!
  • Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl September 3, 2013, 9:00 am
    I've actually thought about trying a cauliflower Mexican rice. This sounds fabulous!!
  • Kelly @ Vegan Iowan September 3, 2013, 9:02 am
    Be happy and embrace fall! Just think pumpkin :-).
  • Erin September 3, 2013, 9:50 am
    I'm still needing to try the cauliflower rice...I've heard it's good from multiple people!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:22 pm
      It is REALLY good, especially when it is made with all kinds of great seasonings! Give it a try!
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog September 3, 2013, 9:58 am
    I feel exactly the same about fall - I absolutely love it, but hate that it comes before winter. Cauliflower rice is such a good idea. I've done the whole cauliflower mashed "potatoes" thing, but never this. I'll have to give it a try. Looks perfect for a fall meal.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:22 pm
      I still need to try the mashed "potatoes." That is definitely on my bucket list of things to make this fall!
  • Alexis September 3, 2013, 10:43 am
    I officially crown you the cauliflower rice queen. YUM!!!
  • Ang @ Nutty for Life September 3, 2013, 11:00 am
    If I ever have an over-abundance of cauliflower, I will know who to call. I never would have thought to pair cauliflower with zesty foods!
  • dixya| food, pleasure, and health September 3, 2013, 11:04 am
    I need to really try this cauliflower rice! So not feeling like working today :(
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:23 pm
      Yes, the day back to work after a holiday is always the worst!! But just think...we are almost to Wednesday! :)
  • healthnutjulie September 3, 2013, 11:56 am
    This is going on my recipe to-do list! You're making me crave Mexican with all these delicious posts!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:24 pm
      Aww, thanks!! I hope that you love it. Please let me know if you try it!
      • healthnutjulie September 4, 2013, 6:30 am
        I will! I have a list of "to-make" recipes and Clean Eating Veggie Girl Enchilada Cauliflower "Rice" (geez, that was a mouthful) is #1 :-)
  • Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies September 3, 2013, 11:57 am
    Three day work week for me! Even better :) I'll never get sick of cauliflower or mexican food, so you just keep these tasty recipes coming :)
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 12:25 pm
      I think that I definitely won't have a problem keeping them coming!! ;) And only 3 days for you?? How lucky!!
  • dailycupofkate September 3, 2013, 12:36 pm
    Your recipes always look so delicious and healthy! This is a must try! And I cant believe Summer is over either...I just want one more month!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 4:42 pm
      Thanks so much! I appreciate that! And I know, right? Pretty soon it will be Christmas! :/
  • Meghan @ fitnesscrEATures September 3, 2013, 1:12 pm
    I will always love cauliflower rice - it's so sinless and versatile, so of course! :) I don't blame you for hating the cold. I, personally, enjoy it, but I love summer a bit more I think. :)
  • Alisha's Appetite September 3, 2013, 3:12 pm
    Since mexican is basically my favorite food group (yes, it's now a food group) I am 100% okay with all of the mexican meals lately! And trust me you are NOT the only one feeling saddened by going back to work. Boooo to work but yay for pumpkin and acorn squash!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl September 3, 2013, 4:42 pm
      I am SO excited for all things pumpkin-related!!! You can never have too much, right? ;)
  • Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen September 3, 2013, 3:36 pm
    I've got to try this cauliflower rice. Yours looks delicious!
  • Courtney September 3, 2013, 4:23 pm
    YUM this looks so good! Thanks for sharing :)
  • Katherine September 3, 2013, 6:31 pm
    Girl! Getting sick of cauliflower and Mexican food must be an urban myth! Keep the recipes coming because I have bookmarked the heck out of all your recipes lately! :)
  • foodiecology September 3, 2013, 6:39 pm
    I think it's time I jump on the cauliflower rice bandwagon, because this looks delicious. I love how versatile cauliflower (something I've never liked till recently because it's so plain) can be!
  • jessiebearwhat September 3, 2013, 7:35 pm
    Yaaay for more cauli rice!!
  • Marie @ Little Kitchie September 3, 2013, 8:05 pm
    Yum, great idea!
  • lizziefit September 3, 2013, 8:10 pm
    Wicked idea... I love rice but I love veggie versions of my favourite carby loves ;)
  • makingthymeforhealth September 3, 2013, 9:32 pm
    I'm not getting sick of cauliflower rice recipes, keep em coming! This looks delicious. I've been craving Mexican lately. Hope your first day back to work was a good one! :)
  • GiGi Eats Celebrities September 3, 2013, 10:28 pm
    Way to go Cauliflower - Way to celebrate Halloween EARLY and dress up as RICE!
  • jessielovestorun September 4, 2013, 3:14 am
    I have no idea how you come up with so many great recipes day after day! I'm not sure if you're married yet, but if not - you are going to make your man one happy guy :) lol
  • Eating 4 Balance September 4, 2013, 6:37 am
    I could never be sick of cauliflower! Especially all of your cauli rice creations :D
  • Alysia L. (@Slim_Sanity) September 4, 2013, 7:11 am
    Sounds so good! I Love healthifying Mexican dishes.
  • Kristen September 4, 2013, 8:01 pm
    YUM! I read your Tuesday Eats post and thought the cauliflower rice looked good-I am definitely trying this! I love anything mexican/enchilada inspired
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