When temperatures start to drop, we start craving foods that are cozy and comforting. A warm creamy dish like risotto is exactly what we like to eat in the fall, especially if we add in ingredients like butternut squash. Craving risotto but trying to avoid carbs? The Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower & Butternut Squash Risotto is a low-carb alternative that is perfect for autumn.
This dish can be heated in the microwave or cooked on the stovetop. We opted to stick with the stovetop instructions, and we found them to be pretty easy to follow. We didn’t have to do much more than toss our bag in a warm pan and stir it from time to time. Trader Joe’s says that the process should take about 8 to 10 minutes, but it was about 12 minutes before our risotto was ready to eat.
You can definitely tell that this was made with cauliflower rather than actual rice. The cauliflower has a distinct crispness to it, which means the dish can’t quite mimic the smooth texture of real risotto.
Still, the dish delivers on the creamy and comforting front. It smells absolutely delicious, and the flavor combinations are perfect. The cauliflower tastes great with the butternut squash, and seasonings like parsley and garlic really take the dish to another level.
While it’s comforting and delicious, it’s not necessarily designed to be served as a meal. This is really nothing but veggies and cream, which means it isn’t especially filling. There are 210 calories in the entire bag and only six grams of protein. We recommend serving this as a side or adding another ingredient, like your favorite frozen sausage. It could even serve as a hearty fall snack.
Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower & Butternut Squash Risotto may not be filling, but it still contains the flavors of fall. If you’re in the mood for a seasonal treat, or if you’re looking for a rice-free version of risotto, this is a tasty dish that is perfect for autumn. Serve it with an entree — or add in some protein — and it can be a part of an amazing meal.
To learn more about the nutrition content, ingredients, or cooking instructions for this Trader Joe’s seasonal risotto, check out our package scans below.
