Sauteed Cauliflower with Caramelized Onions & Spinach Recipe

Introduction

This sautéed cauliflower dish combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese for a flavorful, healthy side. It’s a quick, easy way to add vibrant vegetables to your meal with plenty of comforting, savory notes.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced into half-circles
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 3 cups cauliflower rice
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 ounce (about 3 tablespoons) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Cover the pan and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown, about 8 to 10 more minutes.
2. Step 2: Pour in 1/4 cup water and add the dried thyme. Cover the skillet again and cook until the onions are a deep golden brown, approximately 15 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, ground pepper, and another 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Step 3: Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and mix in the minced parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
• Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if you prefer a heartier green.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
• To make it vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the vegetables tender yet firm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works well. Thaw it first and drain any excess water to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.

Is this dish suitable as a main course?

While it’s typically served as a side, you can boost it to a main by adding cooked protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.

Sauteed Cauliflower with Caramelized Onions & Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

A flavorful and healthy dish featuring sautéed cauliflower rice combined with caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. This quick and nutritious recipe balances savory and tangy flavors with a hint of thyme and balsamic vinegar, perfect as a light main or a side dish.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced into half-circles
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cauliflower rice
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

Pantry Items

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Dairy

• 1 ounce (about 3 tablespoons) crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Cover the skillet and continue cooking until the onions turn golden brown, stirring occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Deepen onion flavor: Pour in 1/4 cup water and sprinkle in dried thyme. Cover the skillet again and cook the onions until they develop a deep golden brown color, about 15 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, ground pepper, and an additional 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed.
3. Cook the cauliflower rice: Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower begins to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Wilt spinach and finish: Add the fresh spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese, stirring gently until the spinach is just wilted. Finally, stir in the minced flat-leaf parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

• Using a nonstick skillet helps prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing.
• If cauliflower rice is not available, you can pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, after adding feta as it can be salty.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian main.
• For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.

Keywords: sautéed cauliflower, caramelized onions, spinach recipe, healthy side dish, Mediterranean vegetables, vegetarian cauliflower recipe