Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.

Garlicky Carrot and Pea Riced Cauliflower from Frozen 

riced cauliflower
Riced cauliflower is versatile — pairing well with everything from Asian-inspired fare to grilled staples. This side dish from frozen riced cauliflower makes for an affordable and low-effort dinner. The key to making sure the cauliflower tastes like rice without the vegetable’s dreaded sulfur-like smell is to drop the rice in a hot, non-greased, nonstick skillet to remove excess moisture. While the moisture is escaping, a separate pan cooks fragrant garlic, onion, peas and carrots to be combined in the end. This ensures that the garlic and onion don’t burn and allows their sweet and nutty flavors to develop. 
Serving Amount
Ingredients
  • 12 ounce bag frozen riced cauliflower

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 12 yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 12 cup shredded carrots, finely chopped

  • 12 cup frozen peas

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Heat a large, non-stick skillet over high heat. Once hot, add frozen cauliflower and stir frequently to allow excess moisture to leave, about 7 minutes.  

  • Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic, onions, peas and carrots until garlic is golden and fragrant and carrots are soft, about 5 minutes.   

  • Step 3

    Turn skillet with cauliflower down to medium heat. Add oil mixture of garlic, onions, peas and carrots and stir until well combined. Serve with a main dish or stir in a protein for a stir fry.  

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.