Oh my gosh you guys. I just made the most PHENOMENAL dinner.
Now, let me preface this. Tonight’s meal was totally an unexpected, let’s-throw-together-what-we-have-in-the-fridge kind of meal. In fact, I didn’t think I was going to blog about it. But then…I tasted it. And WOW.
Honestly, it was outrageous.
There’s actually quite a funny story about it. I ordered my groceries online, and ordered 6 lbs of butternut squash – which is approximately 2 squash.
Well…they mistakenly gave me 6 pounds of ACORN squash, which comes to roughly EIGHT acorn squash. So if any of you live in the NY tri-state area and have the hankering for acorn squash…in July lol…please do not hesitate to hit me up. I have more than I know what to do with!
But anyway…introducing this super delicious and super healthy meal!
It’s grain and gluten free, Paleo, and Specific Carb Diet friendly!
This truly gorgeous dish is packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats. And it makes enough for two! So if you’re living solo dolo like me, you’ve got lunch for the next day…OR, it’s even great for a date night!
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED: (Serves 2)
1 acorn squash, halved
2 cups cauliflower rice
1/2 cup chopped fresh green beans (can also substitute frozen green peas…yum!)
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
1 egg
2 Tbsp fresh pesto — either homemade, or store bought (this is the SCD-legal, store-bought VEGAN pesto I used, and it frickin rocks!!!)
6 kalamata olives, sliced
TOOLS:
Large, nonstick frying pan
Small mixing bowl
Food Processor (This is the one I use and love)
Good Chef’s Knife
Baking Sheet
Non-stick tinfoil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Carefully cut the top off your acorn squash. Scoop out the seeds, and either discard, or roast in a pan on the stove for a yummy garnish or snack!
Spritz a tin-foil-lined baking sheet with olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle the flesh of your squash with salt and pepper, and place it cut-side down.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the flesh is soft to the touch.
Meanwhile, rice your cauliflower by placing florets in the food process, and blitz until it resembles rice. (Alternatively, you can also but store-bought riced cauliflower, but IMHO, it is severely overpriced, and not as good as fresh!)
Place your riced cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel, and over the sink, wring out all the excess liquid. This is a really crucial step!
In a large frying pan, heat 1 generous Tbsp of olive oil. Add your riced cauliflower, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir to mix. Let it cook for about 4 minutes, stirring every now and then.
Next, stir in your chopped green beans. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 4 minutes, until they begin to soften slightly.
In a small bowl, beat one egg with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Create a little well in the center of your pan by pushing the cauliflower rice to the edges of the pan. Pour your scrambled egg into this well, and let it cook, creating scrambled eggs. When it’s beginning to set, fully encorporate it into the cauliflower rice mixture. Remove from heat, and place into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Let cool for 3 minutes. Then add your 2 Tbsp of fresh pesto. (You do this step after cooking, because the heat kills the fresh basil flavor that is part of full pesto experience.
By this time, your squash should be finished cooking.
To plate, place one squash half on your plate and in the cavity, mound a heaping portion of the cauliflower rice mixture. (I find this works best to use clean hands).
Garnish with sliced kalamata olives, roasted pepitas or pine nuts, and fresh basil.
Dig in!
Ok, DANGGGGG! I cannot say enough good things about this dish! Seriously, I was in culinary heaven!
The combination of the slightly sweet flesh of the acorn squash, combined with the fresh and bright pesto, and the pop of salty richness from the olives, and a little crunch from the pepita. It was so satisfying.
But the fried cauliflower rice was what really stole the show.
I’m serious, I could eat that all by itself. AND I DID! It hit just that right “carby” spot. Cauliflower, when roasted in the oven or on the stove, — unlike steaming it — creates this absolutely phenomenal nutty flavor. I’m serious, it’s magic. It become golden brown, and simply magnificent.
That, paired with the glorious flavors of pesto — and the savory hint from the egg — it was out of this world.
And not to mention healthy!
I am seriously going to make this again. And I’m in luck because I’ve got seven more acorn squash staring me in the face!
So my next question is, who’s coming over for dinner!!!
Alright, until next time!
Happy cooking!
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
A big thank you to my foundational sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy. I cannot begin to express how beneficial therapy was for my recovery from anorexia. Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***Click to order your copy!
SIGN UP BELOW FOR MY FREE NEWSLETTER!
GET MY DAILY VIDEOS, RECIPES AND POSTS DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!
[mc4wp_form id=”30616″]
Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!Get a tube!
Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!
Huge shoutout to my favorite: Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey! Located just outside of NYC, this gorgeous medical spa keeps my skin healthy and bright! Stop in and treat yo’self! 🙂
STAY CONNECTED!
@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram
For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂
And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!
58 responses to “Pesto Fried Rice!”
looks good
Thanks so much Stormy! Oh my gosh it wassss!!! Hugs and love xox
It is so beautiful, with rich colors. I don’t cook, but this one I might try, as I have to start eating more fiber because I had colon cancer. Do you make the cauliflower rice from caulifower or buy it?
Aw thank you so much!! And oh my gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. Yes – this is definitely rich in fiber! I make mine but you can also buy it! Very convenient!
I’m coming. Lol it sounds real good Caralyn. I’ve made fried rice before, but not that way. Gotta include that scrambled egg. You are very creative and describe your recipes well.
Hahah awesome! I’ll save ya a seat! 🙂 you really do! Thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome. 🙂
😃
This looks deish, Caralyn! You are an amazing cook and woman. 😊😎
Thanks so much John! It was a winner for sure! 🙂 and gosh, what a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
Looks good!
thank you so much! oh my gosh it was such a treat! Hugs and love xox
XOXOXO. Have a great night
You too!
You recipes look mighty good 😍😍 !! I really love how fresh and colorful they look. Cooking is clearing your jam haha. I try to cook healthy and diverse meals, but Lately I have been struggling with my eating habits. As I am going thru family turmoil right now 😔. luckily I came across an awesome guide on how to overcome emotional eating. Believe me it is life changing !! I am getting sooo much confident and calm around food now.I want to share it with the world especially girls like me struggling with maintaining a healthy realationship with food. I highly recomend it Here is the link :
https://jvz8.com/c/1653331/353411
Thank you so much! i appreciate you passing along that link – I’ll for sure check it out! Hugs and love xox
As a southern Italian gal, pesto is my jam!! I absolutely adore it and making my own from scratch with extra garlic😉 I will have to try this recipe, YUM😍
Isn’t it so yummy!? I love how fresh and bright the flavor is!! Oh my gosh yummmmm! Thanks for stopping by!! Hugs and love xox
Very bright, crisp and perfect for summer! Yes, so yum😋
Thanks so much! Yes! Basil is such a summer treat! Hugs and love xox
[…] Pesto Fried Rice! […]
thanks Tonya for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Looks delicious!
thank you so much Ab! oh my gosh it was such a treat! have an awesome night! Hugs and love xox
You got skills girl!! Looks amazing!! ✌️
hahah oh my goodness, thank you!! have a great night! Hugs and love xox
Looks great. I had baked butternut squash this evening and also enjoy a stuffed spaghetti squash that I make; therefore, this will on my list to try. Thanks.
Thanks so much Hugh! Oh yum! I love all squash varieties, truly! Hugs and love xox
Another yummy gift to the eating world 🙂
Thank you! Hahah the eating world – you’re funny!! Hugs and love xox
This looks delicious 🙂
thanks so much David! Hugs and love xox
very creative, and it looks delicious!
thank you so much Jim! Hugs and love xox
If no one ante’s up for your acorn squash, try some online recipes for acorn squash sweet bread. It’ll keep in the freezer nicely for all summer long. 🙂
hahah you’re too funny! Yes! send me your po box 😉 haha thanks for stoppin gby! Hugs and love xox
Wow! That looks amazing!!!! You are so clever and this dinner looks delightful. ^_^
Thank you so much!! You’re sweet to say that! Hugs and love xox
looks good
thank you so much!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
This was such a great post! Thank you for sharing
Definitely going to cook this for dinner one night!
aw thank you so much Nicholas, that really means a lot! i hope you do! it was super super delicious! Hugs and love xox
We went plant based a few months ago as a family so should be fun to mix it up a bit and see what we can do!
Thanks again!
oh that’s awesome! i’ve found such a wonderful difference since becoming plant based! so much energy! clear skin! the list goes on and on! Hugs and love xox
Same! We have also noticed our taste buds have become a lot more open to new things. It’s nice to feel excited about mixing unique flavors and creating something delicious.
It’s been fun exposing our friends and family to it when they come over for dinner, so this will definitely be a good one to throw in the mix!
that’s so true! my taste buds completely changed! when i cut out sugar too, my taste buds did a complete 180! even CARROTS taste sweet to me! that’s so wonderful! and it’s really fun to get creative in the kitchen too! spices and herbs are my best friends! big hugs to you xox
I thought I was the only one that loved how sweet carrots were! It’s weird how being “plant based” gets a bad rep of being “boring” but yet there are endless combinations that are PACKED with goodness
I eat a bag of baby carrots a day!! my skin is permanently orange becuase of it!! hahahah i feel you Nicholas!! not boring at all! Hugs and love xox
Delicious food!!
Thank you so much Michael! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome!
oxoxo 🙂
I love fried rice. Yum!
yes! this was so delicious! Hugs and love xox
That looks so yummy!
Thanks! Oh my gosh it was! Hugs and love xox
I love your food posts. I don’t make any of it but the sheer exotic nature of the dishes you make has me hooked.
oh my gosh thank you so much! haha you’re too kind! Hugs and love xox