(Low Pro) Chipotle Cilantro Rice
With PKU, it seems to go either way; French fry-obsessed or rice-obsessed. Neither are low in phe and therefore they are put on a pedestal (isn’t it the truth). One serving of rice is my entire day’s phenylalanine allotment. Aside from three days of moodiness and irritability, rice is a delicious meal for me.
Does anyone else dream about the Chipotle white rice? Everything about it…chopped cilantro, savory flavor, and RICE just gets me every time. Chipotle is our favorite option for lunch on the weekends and it takes all of my five foot three inches of will power to resist the white rice. Therefore, I came up with a low protein option. I have attempted and now perfected the recipe. It is great on its own or even more delicious mixed with the actual Chipotle toppings. Nick orders his dish and I have him order about 5 different sides to put over my knockoff rice.
"Yes, I know guacamole is extra"
I also like to add my own toppings if we are eating at home. Avocado, sriracha (Trader Joe's is my go-to), and tomatoes are my favorites. I added olives to the dish below.
Notes for the recipe: I used unsweetened coconut cream. You can sub water to save phe but even just a few tablespoons of the cream will add extra flavor. I tried it with vegetable broth and that was a fail. I wouldn't suggest it for this recipe. I also made a large recipe as I usually pack some away for lunches. You can find riced cauliflower at most grocery stores now. I like to rice it myself in the food processor to keep it fresh. If you refer to my last post it has my favorite cilantro jalapeno salad dressing. I mix that in when I have some on hand and it adds a nice flavor.
Recipe:
Serving size: 175 gm and contains 77 mg of phe in a serving
377 gm Cambrooke Foods short grain rice (or other low pro rice of your choice)
345 gm riced cauliflower
1 tablespoon vegetable oil of your choice
141 gm chopped onion
22 gm butter
74 gms unsweetened coconut cream
1-2 cup water (add more to soften)
1 teaspoon salt
.5 cup chopped cilantro (the more the merrier)
Juice of two limes (add more or less to liking)
Saute onion and garlic in oil. Add low pro rice and riced cauliflower. Mix well. Then, add liquid. Start with one cup of water and continue to add to soften the mix. (It will absorb the liquid no problem and if you need to cook it off faster, leave uncovered). Cover and simmer at a low heat. Stir regularly. Meanwhile, chop cilantro. Add lime juice. Mix well. Cook down until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is soft. Fluff rice and mix in cilantro. Serve with any desired toppings or garnishes.
