Spicy cauliflower halloumi rice is a dish that combines cauliflower rice, halloumi cheese, and spices to create a flavourful and satisfying meal. The cauliflower rice is typically grated or processed into rice-sized pieces and then sautéed in a pan with oil and garlic until tender.
The halloumi cheese is then added to the pan and cooked until lightly browned and crispy. Spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, or even hot sauce are added to the pan and mixed with the cauliflower and cheese, along with salt and pepper.
Spicy cauliflower halloumi rice is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein dish that is rich in flavour and texture. The halloumi cheese adds a salty and tangy flavour to the dish, while the cauliflower rice provides a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
This dish can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish and goes great paired with chicken or shrimp!
What Is Cauliflower Rice?
Cauliflower rice is a low-carbohydrate alternative to traditional rice that is made from cauliflower. It is made by grating or pulsing cauliflower florets in a blender until they are finely chopped into small, rice-sized pieces.
Cauliflower rice is a popular ingredient in many low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo recipes as it is a great substitute for traditional rice while being lower in carbohydrates and calories.
Cauliflower rice is used in dishes such as stir-fries, salads, and casseroles, as well as a base for grain-free sushi or as a side dish to accompany meat and fish.
It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, steaming, or microwaving, and can be seasoned with herbs, spices, or sauces to add flavour and complexity to the dish.
It's a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used to replace traditional rice in many dishes while adding an extra serving of vegetables to your diet.
What Is Spicy Cauliflower Halloumi Rice Made Of?
Spicy halloumi cauliflower rice is a dish typically made with a combination of cauliflower rice, halloumi cheese, and spices. The specific ingredients and spices used can vary depending on the recipe or personal preferences, but some common ingredients include:
- Cauliflower rice: finely chopped cauliflower that has been grated or processed into rice-sized pieces.
- Halloumi cheese: a semi-hard, brined cheese that has a firm, rubbery texture, and a salty, tangy flavour. It is often sliced or cubed and added to the dish.
- Spices: various spices can be used to add flavour and heat to the dish, such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
- Garlic and onion: these aromatics are often used to add flavour and depth to the dish.
- Olive oil: used to sauté the cauliflower rice and halloumi, and to add flavour and richness to the dish.
- Lemon juice: this adds a bright, acidic note to the dish and balances the richness of the cheese.
What Is The Best Hot Sauce To Use with Spicy Cauliflower Halloumi Rice
The best hot sauce for spicy cauliflower halloumi rice depends on your personal taste preferences, as well as the level of spiciness that you want to achieve. Some popular hot sauces that work well with cauliflower rice are:
- Scotch bonnet sauce - a fruity and slightly sweet, citrus flavour, with a hint of smokiness.
- Chipotle sauce - a smoky sauce made from smoked jalapeno peppers that adds a rich and complex flavour to the burger.
- Habanero sauce - It adds a sweet and spicy flavour to the dish, and the garlic complements the savoury halloumi cheese
- Carolina reaper sauce - only for lovers of the hottest of the hot! Despite its extreme spiciness, its unique flavour, which can range from slightly sweet to slightly smoky pairs excellently with spicy cauliflower halloumi rice!
Spicy Cauliflower Halloumi Rice Ingredients
Click here to try the hot sauce that we use in this recipe! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 1 block of halloumi cheese, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
How To Make Spicy Cauliflower Halloumi Rice
- Grate or process the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.
- Add the diced halloumi cheese to the pan and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and crispy.
- Add the hot sauce, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pan and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spices are fragrant and the cauliflower rice is fully cooked.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
This recipe makes a great vegetarian main dish or side dish, and is perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. Enjoy!
What Is The Best Halloumi For Spicy Cauliflower Halloumi Rice?
The best halloumi for spicy cauliflower halloumi rice is all down to personal preference. There are lots of different types of halloumi available, all with different tastes and textures. Here are just some of the types of halloumi you can use:
- Traditional halloumi: made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, and sometimes cow's milk. It has a tangy, salty flavour and a firm, rubbery texture.
- Cow's milk halloumi: made only from cow's milk, which gives it a milder flavour and softer texture than traditional halloumi.
- Sheep's milk halloumi: made exclusively from sheep's milk, which gives it a stronger, richer flavour and a firmer texture.
- Goat's milk halloumi: made only from goat's milk, which gives it a sharp, tangy flavour and a slightly softer texture than traditional halloumi.
- Reduced-fat halloumi: made with a mixture of skimmed milk and full-fat milk, resulting in a lower-fat cheese with a slightly less rich flavour.
- Flavoured halloumi: halloumi can be flavoured with various herbs and spices, such as mint, chili, or garlic, to add extra flavour to the cheese.