Low Carb Savory Shrimp & Asparagus With Cauliflower "Risotto" (Lean & Green)

This is a delicious, gourmet style meal!

Ingredients: 

1 16 ounce bag cooked, peeled and deveined extra large shrimp*

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

12 ounce bag of riced cauliflower**

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 ounces lowfat cream cheese

1 ounce shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1/3 cup)

2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil

2 1/2 cups asparagus spears cut into 1 1/2 inch segments***

Method:

Place the shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle the lemon juice and spices over the shrimp. Set aside in the refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

Add the cauliflower, water, pepper and cheeses to a large saucepan. (I used a heavy ceramic coated cast iron pan.) Heat and stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until all of the liquid is absorbed. Cover and turn off the heat.

Add the oil to a large non-stick skillet or wok. Heat over medium high heat. Add the asparagus and stir fry for 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a bowl. Return the skillet to the heat and add the shrimp. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes, just until heated.

Add 3/4 cup of the risotto onto each serving plate. Top with 3/4 cup of asparagus and one third of the shrimp. (about 4 1/2 ounces) Makes 3 servings.

Store individual leftover portions  in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat each portion for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes in a microwave oven. 

*I used a bag of frozen shrimp from Trader Joe's, rinsed with cold water and drained in a colander.  (the weight decreases a bit after the shrimp is heated)

**I keep frozen bags of riced cauliflower on hand for a quick vegetable that works well with many meals including omelets and other main dishes.

***Remove the lower tough, fibrous portion of the stalk and chop the remainder to stir fry.

Each serving equals: 1 lean, 3 green, 2/3 healthy fat & 2.8 condiments

Nutritional info per serving, approximately: 261 calories ~ 11 grams fat ~ 14 grams carbs ~ 7.8 grams net carbs ~ 28.3 grams protein

Notes: This meal is VERY simple to make and deliciously satisfying! (I enjoyed this meal so much that I had it for dinner 3 days in a row.)