Skip to main content

Cauliflower “Couscous” With Dried Fruit and Almonds

4.6

(17)

A bowl of cauliflower couscous topped with slivered almonds.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Hampton

We swap in richly spiced cauliflower "rice" for semolina in this nutritious and gluten-free take on couscous. Serve it as a side for grilled vegetables or meats or hearty stews like Easy Lamb Tagine with Pomegranate.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    35 minutes

  • Yield

    Serves 6–8

Ingredients

1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), coarsely chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dried currants or raisins
1/4 cup sliced dried apricots

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast almonds in a large dry skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Wipe out skillet.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, working in batches if needed, pulse cauliflower in a food processor fitted with blade, or grate using the largest holes of a box grater until rice-like in texture (you should have about 4 cups).

    Step 3

    Whisk broth and honey together in a small bowl.

    Step 4

    Heat oil in same skillet over medium-high. Add cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Immediately add cauliflower and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until cauliflower is softened, 3–5 minutes. Add broth mixture, currants, and apricots; stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook until just tender, 3–5 minutes more.

    Step 5

    Transfer cauliflower mixture to a serving platter and stir in half of almonds. Top with remaining almonds before serving.

Read More
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Rotisserie chicken makes quick work of these no-cook rolls with a spicy peanut sauce.
With dramatic choux layers and fruit-rippled cream, it’s the drag queen of Polish desserts.
Tender, buttery breakfast pastries with crisp caramelized edges, a fragrant cinnamon-orange filling, and a crackly sugar topping.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.