Creamy Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp

/ Jodi

Creamy Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp.

On Easter Sunday, we enjoyed an absolutely amazing buffet brunch at a local restaurant in Mars called Breakneck Tavern where they served a positively divine shrimp risotto (among a kagillion other amazing treats).  I only had about a tablespoon of it on Easter, because I wanted to try so many of the other wonderful things they had available (way more than I could sample at one sitting!), but I could not get that shrimp risotto out of my mind.  It was sooooooo good!

Well – I have also  been hearing great things about “ricing” cauliflower and have been anxious to try.

Since I had a beautiful fresh head of cauliflower in the fridge, as well as a bag of shrimp in the freezer, I decided to try a healthier version of shrimp risotto for dinner last night.

O. M. G!  This turned out almost more heavenly than the original one I had a tiny taste of on Easter.  More heavenly because it is so much healthier, but also so delish!!!

My recipe is adapted from one I found at Cafe Delites.  This recipe is a low-carbohydrate, high protein, fiber-rich, calorie-friendly plate of deliciousness!  I hope you will give it a try.

P.S.  If I was making this only for me, I would totally add fresh green peas.  What do you think?  Hubby absolutely detests peas, so I sacrificed for him, but oooohhh –  can you imagine??!!  Pea lovers out there??

Here is how I made it.

Creamy Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cauliflower
  • 12-14 oz shrimp, peeled and tails removed
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1  cup Half and Half (or cream or milk)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp coarsely ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper (optional)

Directions:

Remove core from cauliflower and break into florets.  Working in batches of approximately 1 cup at a time, pulse cauliflower in food processor until it is the consistency of rice.  Place all in large bowl and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.  Add shrimp and sear them while stirring until they start to lose their color.  Add garlic and juice of half of the lemon.  Fry for an additional minute.  Add cauliflower, red pepper (if adding) and olive oil.  Fry and stir for 3-4 minutes until fully combined and coated.  Stir in the half and half (or cream or milk) and chicken broth (or white wine).  Grate Parmesan cheese over all and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Combine.  Cover and reduce heat to low to simmer 6-8 minutes until creamy.

When ready to serve, sprinkle with fresh parsley and wedges of lemon from remaining half.  Top with additional Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

44 thoughts on “Creamy Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp”

  12. This sounds heavenly, although with a little less garlic for me! I am going to take a shortcut and buy riced fresh cauliflower from the market. Definitely adding peas too. Benjamin wants you to know that “Daddy makes ‘sotto’ for Mommy, she loves it!” He does make many different awesome risottos! Thank-you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • awww! sounds like daddy is a good cook! I thought of you when I was adding the garlic – LOL! I imagined you saying sounds good except for the garlic…. No onions in this one for ya! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  14. I have been wanting to try riced cauliflower, your recipe looks delish and I’d definitely add peas or perhaps some fresh asparagus? 💚😋
    Quick questions, How do you find good shrimp in the grocery store? I have a hard time finding shrimp that has any flavor…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Looks beautiful. Will make for next family gathering, possibly Mid April. Do you think it would travel like a Buffet dish? I hate peas so like it just the way you made it, but add some for family buffet. Yummmmmmm! Your photos are always so gorgeous, dont know what your colorful background tray was it really jazzes up the photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

I love hearing from you - hope you'll drop me a line