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My grandmother, bless her heart, she always said that the best food comes from simple ingredients and lots of love. She loved Estonian black pudding, or 'verivorst' as we call it. I remember, like it was yesterday, visiting her little cottage near the woods, the aroma of sauerkraut simmering on the stove filling the air. This recipe is a nod to those cozy memories, just a little bit healthier and faster to make. Its perfect, you know, for those weeknights when you want something comforting but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. One time I even tried to make it with butternut squash instead of cauliflower—it wasn't bad, but trust me, cauliflower rice is the way to go!
Alright so, what makes this dish special? Well, first, we're swapping out regular rice for cauliflower rice, which instantly makes it lower in carbs and a bit lighter. Then we're keeping the star of the show – Estonian black pudding, giving it a crispy pan-fry for that authentic flavor. And of course, we're adding sauerkraut for that tangy, fermented kick that just ties everything together. Its really a flavor bomb in a bowl, especially if you're like me, and crave those unique Estonian flavors. Even my picky cousin, who hates everything that isn't pizza, ended up loving this recipe!
So, ready to give it a go? Don't be intimidated, it's way easier than it sounds. Think of it as a fun experiment, and even if you mess up (which you won't!), you'll still end up with something tasty. I've made this recipe so many times, sometimes I don't even measure anything anymore. I just throw everything in and hope for the best! Okay, maybe not the best strategy for a blog post, but hey, that's the beauty of cooking, right? A little bit of chaos, a little bit of love, and a whole lot of flavor. Now, lets get cooking!
Required Equipments
Food Processor (optional)
Large Skillet
Chopping Board
Knife
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Stirring Spoon
Estonian Cauliflower Rice with Black Pudding and Sauerkraut: Frequently Asked Questions
Estonian Cauliflower Rice with Black Pudding and Sauerkraut
Experience a modern twist on Estonian flavors with Cauliflower Rice, Black Pudding, and Sauerkraut—a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional dishes. This quick recipe combines savory and tangy elements for a satisfying meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prep the cauliflower rice: If using fresh cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. Alternatively, use store-bought cauliflower rice to save time.
Prepare the black pudding: Slice the black pudding into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch thick. Not to thin so it crumbles!
Cook the black pudding: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced black pudding and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the onions (Optional): In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil. If you like onions, add about ½ cup chopped onion cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This adds a nice layer of flavor, but you can skip it if you're not a fan.
Cook the cauliflower rice: Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's tender-crisp and slightly browned. I like mine with a little bit of a bite, but cook it longer if you prefer it softer.
Add the sauerkraut: Stir in the sauerkraut and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it's heated through and the flavors have melded together. I usually drain the sauerkraut a little before adding it, so it doesn't make the dish too soggy.
Combine everything: Add the cooked black pudding back to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Make sure everything is heated through. You can also add a pat of butter at this stage for extra richness.
Season to taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the black pudding and sauerkraut are already quite salty, so go easy on the salt!
Serve: Serve the Estonian Cauliflower Rice with Black Pudding and Sauerkraut hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of lingonberry jam adds a nice touch too!
📝 Notes
Adjust the amount of sauerkraut to your liking, depending on how tangy you want the dish to be.
For a vegetarian version, replace the black pudding with smoked tofu or tempeh.
Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and flavor.