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Roasted Cauliflower Cranberry Rice

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WHAT’S IN IT       

  •  10 oz package organic cauliflower rice

  •   ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

  •   ½ cup roasted almonds, chopped

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

  • 1 t dried parsley

  • 1/2 t dried thyme, divided

  • 1 clove minced garlic

  • 1 t minced shallot

  •  sea salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 t grass-fed or vegan butter

HOW TO MAKE IT                                                    

 

1.  In a small container with a lid mix the olive oil, parsley, ¼ teaspoon of thyme, garlic, and shallot. Shake well. Let sit for an hour to blend.  

2.  Preheat oven to 400°F

3. Toss cauliflower rice with 1 T* of the oil in large bowl; season with salt and pepper.

4. Spread the rice evenly on parchment paper-lined baking sheet; roast about 25 minutes until lightly browned.

5. Remove from the oven; add butter, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of thyme, almonds and cranberries. Stir to melt the butter and mix in the thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this dish warm, at room temp or cold.

*Add 2 T red wine vinegar and 1 t lemon juice to the remaining oil to make salad dressing

 

WHY IT’S HEALTHY                                                         

 

Cauliflower is considered by many to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It is an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, a great source of vitamin C and good sources of K, folate and B6. Studies demonstrate that cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower are especially useful for preventing breast cancer in addition to colon, liver, lung and stomach cancers. Recent studies have identified over two dozen antioxidant phytonutrients in cranberries which raise the overall antioxidant capacity in our bloodstream and help reduce oxidative stress.  Cranberries are a great source of Vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber. Almonds help with cholesterol reduction, are beneficial when it comes to weight loss, and are high in Vitamin E, manganese and magnesium. Garlic has strong antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, is high in vitamin C and B-6 as well as the minerals selenium, calcium, iron and copper. Thyme is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, manganese and calcium. It can help boost your mood, relieve respiratory conditions like sore throat and bronchitis, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and fight cancer cells.