Spicy Eggplant and Cauliflower Rice

This Spicy Eggplant and Cauliflower Rice recipe is a deliciously hearty yet low-carb dish, perfect for anyone following a keto diet. The rich flavors of roasted eggplant blend seamlessly with the kick of spices, while the cauliflower rice offers a comforting, rice-like texture without the excess carbs.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Keto, Low-Carb

Keyword cauliflower rice, Keto Dinner, Low-Carb Meals, spicy cauliflower rice, spicy eggplant

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 180kcal

Equipment

Oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Eggplant

1 large eggplant about 1 lb / 454 g, cut into cubes

Cauliflower

1 large head cauliflower about 2 lbs / 908 g, riced
3 tablespoons olive oil 44 ml
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
1 lime juiced

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss the cubed eggplant with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil, half of the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until the eggplant is evenly coated.
Spread the eggplant out on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally.
Once the eggplant is done, mix it into the skillet with the cauliflower rice. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and stir well.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

For those who want to increase the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference. Cauliflower rice can be made by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until it resembles the texture of rice.

Nutrition