Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Chives are a fragrant herb that are part of the Allium family and the first to appear in my kitchen herb garden.  These lovely spring greens add a subtle onion-garlic flavor to savory dishes.  Add in seasonal spring vegetables; spinach, peas or asparagus and a fresh flavoring of lemon for a light and delicious spring dish, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 head- Cauliflower, cut into florets, (@ 4 cups)
  • 2 tsp- Coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup- Sweet onion, minced
  • 2 Cloves garlic-  minced
  • Pinch – nutmeg, ground
  • 1/2 tsp- natural salt
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp- Lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup- vegetable broth
  • 1 cup- Peas or fresh snow peas, trimmed
  • 2 cups- baby spinach or other dark leafy greens, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup- Fresh Chives, minced

Method

  1. Process cauliflower florets in a food processor fitted with an S blade until they resemble small rice like pieces.
  2. Heat a large saute pan over medium heat, add coconut oil.  Saute onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until onion is softened.
  3. Add cauliflower to saute pan and stir to combine.  ; season with nutmeg, salt and pepper, saute for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add lemon zest, peas and spinach, stir to combine.  Pour vegetable broth over vegetables, cover pan with lid and cook over medium/low heat for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft but still have a slight firm bite to them.
  5. Remove lid, add chopped chives and any additional seasonings as needed.
  6. Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil if desired for a rich finish.

Chefs tips

Substitute snow peas/peas for fresh asparagus cut into bite sized pieces.

Serve pilaf as a side dish or add pan seared fish or tempeh or grilled wild shrimp and serve as an entree.