Pregnancy cravings. Most people have them in some form or another. Whether your want to eat pounds of pineapple (go ahead, it’s a great cervical ripener and can help make birth easier!), bowls and bowls of pasta, or a slice of chocolate cake the size of your head, chances are at some point over your 40 weeks you have had a strong hankering for something or other.

When I’m pregnant, I crave anything and everything with and Asian flavor profile. Growing up in Manhattan on Chinese food, I have fond memories of my family gathered around white takeout containers of sesame noodles, moo shoo something or other, and various other greasy, heavy foods. Despite being an incredibly clean eater now, sometimes I still crave the comfort food of my youth.

When I am too tired and pregnant at the end of the day to make an elaborate meal this Cauliflower Fried Rice is the perfect quick, satisfying dinner. I make the cauliflower rice in large batches and chop the vegetable in advance to save me time at night when I am worn out. When it’s time for dinner all I have to do is toss it all together and let it steam! Much healthier than Chinese takeout and ready in less than 15 minutes!

Cauliflower “Fried Rice”

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • ½ cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • ½ cup diced pineapple
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1/4 c nama shoyu
  • 2 T sesame oil

Directions:

  1. Chop cauliflower into small florets and process in food processor until “rice like” consistency is achieved. This should only take a few seconds.
  2. Combine cauliflower “rice” with remaining ingredients and allow to sit for 15-30 minutes for flavor to develop.
  3. Place rice mixture in a steamer basket over boiling water and lightly steam until warm.

Photography by @Mia McDonald