Description
Creamy cauliflower risotto from Jamie Oliver combines rustic Italian charm with hearty vegetable goodness. Parmesan cheese and roasted cauliflower create a luxurious dish that delivers comfort and sophisticated flavor in each rich, aromatic spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) riced cauliflower
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Parmesan
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat and gently melt 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
- Incorporate finely chopped shallots into the melted butter, sautéing them until they turn translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the shallot mixture, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
- Introduce chopped cauliflower florets into the skillet, ensuring even coating with the butter mixture, and cook for 10-12 minutes while stirring periodically to promote uniform caramelization.
- Pour heavy cream (240 milliliters or 1 cup) into the skillet, then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the cauliflower.
- Reduce heat and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, allowing the cream to thicken and the cauliflower to become tender, approximately 4-6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in freshly chopped parsley, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the creamy cauliflower.
- Transfer to a serving dish immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a light sprinkle of parsley if desired.
Notes
- Customize your risotto by experimenting with different mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster for a unique twist.
- Frozen cauliflower rice saves time and provides consistent texture, eliminating prep work and moisture concerns.
- Dairy-free friends can swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened plant-based alternatives for creamy consistency.
- Boost flavor complexity by incorporating fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives during the final stirring stage.
- Elevate the dish’s richness with a splash of white wine or vegetable broth when sautéing vegetables.
- Storage tip: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, gently reheating with a splash of liquid to restore creamy texture.
- Meal prep hack: prepare cauliflower rice in advance and freeze in portioned bags for quick weeknight cooking.
- Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for unexpected warmth and depth.
- Transform this recipe into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or roasted tofu as protein options.
- Nutritional boost comes from using cauliflower, which provides fiber, vitamins, and a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 318 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 258 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg