How to Make Cauliflower ‘Couscous’
As the weather warms up I tend to want to spend more time outdoors with the kids and less time indoors cooking. Don’t get me wrong. I still fully intend to prepare my more elaborate meals but there are just some days I want something quick and easy and this cauliflower couscous fits the bill.
It is very simple to make. It just requires processing the florets into couscous sized pieces and stir frying them with herbs and spices to your taste. Pressing that button on the food processor is irresistible to kids – they really enjoy helping making this one. To make cauliflower rice you just need to pulse this cauliflower a little bit less in to rice size.
This cauliflower ‘couscous’ is lighter on the carbs, vegan and gluten free and tastes pretty close to the real couscous. It took the final spoonful of this meal for OH to realise that this was not our regular couscous. The subtle flavour of cauliflower means this is a nice base for all those herbs and grilled vegetables that we will be having over the summer months. This is suitable for the 5:2 diet as one portion has 62 calories.
This is my first post on a pantry staple spotlight on cauliflower. Please be sure to check the other post out.
(If you want to cook ‘regular’ couscous, please check out my how to cook couscous post.)
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How to Make Cauliflower 'Couscous'
Ingredients
- 1 kg cauliflower - dry and cut into chunks
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Herbs to your taste
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower chunks into food processor and process until they become couscous sized.
- You might need to do this in 2 or 3 batches.
- Don't over process as you don't want the cauliflower to turn into a puree.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan and add the cauliflower.
- Stir fry the cauliflower for a few mins until it cooks to your taste.
- You might need to do this in 2 batches adding more oil to the frying pan between each batch.
- I like when it starts to get slightly golden brown but still has a bit of crunch to it.
- Be careful as the cauliflower can burn very quickly.
- Take the couscous off the hob and stir in an herbs and toppings that you want and serve.
Wow what an ingenious idea – hats off to you Bintu:-) Will have to try this for myself and see if anyone notices:-)
Delicious. Love the use of seasonal radishes too! Love how versatile cauliflower can be!
This looks delicious, Bintu!
I don’t eat a lot of cauliflower but that looks really good!
This is such a great idea. I was amazed when you said that your hubby couldn’t tell this wasn’t couscous. That’s impressive! Definitely interested in giving this one a go!
Oh yum!!! I love this idea. I am always so bored with my cauliflower steaming action. This adds a whole new layer.
You are making laugh Zainab with your phrase cauliflower action.
Love a quick dish. I’ve never had couscous before. I know I need to broaden my palate. Substituting cauliflower is genius though.
Thanks Kira. Both this and original couscous are a good addition to quick recipes folder.
LOL I guess cauli would work just as well for couscous as for rice. I do find it strange that prepared this way it doesnt really tase of cauliflower
It is all in the flavour LU. Seriously.
Ha, how ironic Bintu as I just came across two boxes of couscous in the cupboard to day and realized I need to make something with them. What a fascinating idea to use cauliflower. While not my favorite I would absolutely give it a try and your recipe is soooo easy! I love to see what can be done to amp up the taste with herbs. Maybe even add a touch of light, sprinkled cheese i.e. parmesan. Yummy post! 🙂
Hmmmmm – ideas there with your Parmesan comment Mike.
I’ve been seeing this a lot this season. Your recipe would be a good simple way to start – would try this soon. I love cauliflower:)
Wait till you see the next recipe then Elsa.
I’ve heard of cauliflower rice and keep meaning to give it a try, but I think your couscous naming suits it much better. It does look very like couscous.
It is all about the size Nicette – rice is def bigger.
Isn’t it amazing how much more cauliflower has to offer than just with cheese? I have to give this a go and Karens pizza base. GG
I have cauliflower pizza on my to do list.
I’m not a huge cauliflower fan but I’m really tempted to try this!
It is def worth a try. Add in the herbs and flavours you like.
What a clever idea! And so simple!
Two Hearts One Roof
That is one of the reasons I like this too.
One of my favourite 5:2 diet recipes and I make it myself often, along with cauliflower mash, cauliflower rice and my famous cauliflower pizza base! Such a great recipe Bintu and beautifully portrayed too! Karen
I need that recipe Karen as cauliflower based pizza is on my to do list.
What a fab idea this is! a quick & easy light summer meal. Bet you could also make some great salads this way!
It is right? Cauliflower rice or couscous all thrown in the salad add in some good flavour.
Ooh this looks lovely. Been looking for some nice new recipes, going to try this one out this week!
Thanks Emma – I hope this one is a keeper for you.
Ive actually never tasted couscous, but really like cauliflower so might give this a try 🙂 your photos are great and your instructions are really clear, thanks for sharing 🙂 x
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Hey Tiny, thanks for dropping in and enjoy trying this out.