Description
A flavorful and nutritious Cauliflower Rice Skillet featuring sautéed kielbasa, tender zucchini, sweet peas, and a hint of spice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This quick and easy one-pan dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, combining hearty sausage with low-carb cauliflower rice and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium heads cauliflower
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise and chopped
- 1 & 1/2 cups frozen peas
- Juice from half a lemon
Proteins
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-size pieces
Dairy & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings & Condiments
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Chop each cauliflower head in half, then quarters, and separate the florets from the stems. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Pulse cauliflower to rice: Working in batches, pulse cauliflower pieces in a food processor 4-5 one-second pulses until the texture resembles rice.
- Set aside cauliflower rice: Transfer processed cauliflower to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa slices in a single layer, cook for 3 minutes without stirring, then stir occasionally until evenly browned, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove kielbasa: Use a slotted spoon to transfer kielbasa to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté cauliflower rice: Add butter to the skillet with the rendered sausage fat, keep heat slightly above medium. When hot, add cauliflower rice and stir occasionally, cooking uncovered for about 10 minutes.
- Season the cauliflower rice: Stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and dijon mustard.
- Add zucchini: Stir chopped zucchini into the skillet and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
- Check doneness: Continue cooking until both cauliflower rice and zucchini are tender.
- Combine peas and kielbasa: Add frozen peas and reserved kielbasa to skillet, stirring until warmed through.
- Finish with cheese: Turn off heat, evenly spread the top, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover for a few minutes to melt or briefly broil for about a minute.
- Serve: Serve the skillet dish warm, optionally alongside bread, green salad, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower for best texture in the rice.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness.
- Can substitute kielbasa with another smoked sausage if preferred.
- For a lower fat version, reduce butter or use a light cooking oil.
- Broiling at the end is optional but creates a nicely melted cheese topping.
- This dish stores well and can be reheated for quick meals.
