A cauliflower side dish may not conjure up the most appealing images. Stinky, soggy, steamed cauliflower florets with melted cheese on top... it reminds me of a nursing home menu gone wrong. I've enjoyed cauliflower roasted, in a soup or curry... but then I discovered Cauliflower Rice, and it elevated this winter veggie into star-status on our menu rotation. Because it is sauteed instead of steamed, it really has more of a rice texture, takes on whatever flavors you cook it with, and avoids the telltale smell. Cauliflower Rice is easy for a toddler to eat once they are enjoying finger foods. It could be pureed as well, but because cruciforous veggies are a little hard to digest, you may choose to wait until 9-10 months to introduce this one to avoid a gassy tummy, by which time your little one can probably handle the rice-sized pieces anyway. Cauliflower Rice You�ll need:
  • A head of cauliflower
  • 2 Tbsp. butter or olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • Seasonings/veggies (see Variations, below)
Wash the head of cauliflower and dry VERY well. It is important for it to be dry or it will be mushy, so if needed, spead on paper towel and let dry out after rinsing. Peel and mince onion (and garlic or other veggies if using). Place the butter and onions into a pan and sautee over medium heat until onions are softened. While onions cook, chop the head of cauliflower roughly into florets. Place into a food processor and pulse until the cauliflower is the size of rice or couscous. Add cauliflower rice to the pan with the onions and butter. Cover, raise heat to medium-high, and cook for 5-6 minutes. Serve instead of rice under chicken and sauce, in stir frys, in a burrito, etc. Variations Italian-style Cauliflower Rice- Add garlic with the onions, season with Italian herbs, then serve with Chicken Marsala, Chicken Cacciatore, or another saucy chicken dish you would serve over rice. Chinese-style Cauliflower Rice- Add peas, carrots, scrambled egg, and soy sauce. Cooked chicken can be added to make a meal, or serve as a healthy side to your favorite take-out alternatives. Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice- Add the juice from a squeezed lime, and a half-cup of chopped cilantro to the finished rice. Delicious inside burritos or as a side to any south-of-the-border dish. COUTUREcolorado�s �Little Foodie� articles feature tried and true recipes for kids and baby food, that can easily transition into equally delicious meals for adults. Preparing these meals can be fun, easy, and healthy for you and your whole family. Introducing flavors to babies through the use of herbs, spices, and seasonings can expand your child�s palette and help to avoid a picky eater. Using seasonal, local, and organic produce to make your own food for your baby and toddler helps keep Colorado green, too. We recommend trying these recipes after your infant has already enjoyed single ingredient purees from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. As always, check with your pediatrician before starting your baby on solids. DISCLAIMER: Content on this site is not intended as professional medical, health care or dietary advice, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified expert with any questions you may have regarding your infants dietary needs.  
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