This is one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes no effort. Creamy cauliflower rice with soft leek, fresh spinach, and two golden eggs on top. Ready in minutes, full of flavor, and perfect for busy days when you still want something warm and satisfying.
In One Glance
- 🍳 Recipe name: Creamy Cauliflower Rice with Spinach and Leek
- ⏱️ Prep time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook time: 10 minutes
- 🕒 Total time: 15 minutes
- 👨👩👧👦 Servings: 4 persons
- ⚡ Calories: 166 kcal per serving
- 🥬 Main ingredients: cauliflower rice, leek, spinach, eggs, cottage cheese
- 😋 Taste: creamy, soft, savory
- 💚 Why make it: quick, easy, one-pan comfort meal
- 🧂 Difficulty: easy - everything cooks in one pan.
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Creamy Cottage Cheese Veggie Skillet
You know those evenings when everyone's hungry, and you just want to throw something together that feels like a proper meal? That's when this cauliflower rice skillet shows up at my house.
It started on a lazy weeknight. The fridge looked empty- just a leek, some spinach, and a few eggs staring back at me. I melted a bit of butter, tossed it all together, and added cottage cheese on top. Dinner was ready before I had time to think about takeout.
The smell of buttery leek and warm cauliflower rice fills the kitchen - it's the kind of scent that makes everyone wander in asking, "What's for dinner?" When the eggs set and the cottage cheese melts just a little, it looks and tastes like something special, even though it's so simple.
We often eat it straight from the pan at the table, spoons clinking and everyone adding their own twist of pepper. It's easy, comforting, and one of those meals that disappears before you know it.
What You'll Need?
You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.
- Cauliflower rice: Mild in flavor, so it absorbs all the buttery leek goodness. Works great fresh or frozen.
- Leek: Use the white and light green parts only; slice them thin so they turn soft and sweet.
- Spinach: Fresh or thawed, both work fine. Just squeeze out the extra water if using frozen.
- Eggs: Gently poached right in the pan, they turn perfectly soft.
- Cottage cheese (Hüttenkäse): Mild and fresh; adds a lovely creamy bite.
- Butter: The secret to that golden, cozy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Just enough to balance everything out.
How to Make It
You can find the full step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.
- Melt butter in a large pan and fry the leek for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach and cauliflower rice. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
- Flatten the top, make two small holes, and crack an egg into each.
- Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it cook gently for 10 minutes. Top with cottage cheese and serve warm.
Top Tips
- Fresh or frozen veggies both work. Just thaw before using.
- Fancy it up? Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta instead of cottage cheese.
- Make it crunchy: sprinkle roasted pine nuts or walnuts on top.
- Great for brunch too - serve with toast or a green salad.
- Add chili flakes if you like a little kick.
- Swap leek for a shallot or scallion if that's what you have.
- Don't skip the butter - it gives the dish that cozy flavor.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
- And don't forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup leek
- 1¼ cup spinach , thawed or 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs , size M
- 1 cup cottage cheese
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large wok or pan.1 tablespoon butter
- Add the leek and fry for 2 minutes until soft.1 cup leek
- Stir in the spinach and cauliflower rice. Season with salt and pepper.1¼ cup spinach, 4 cups cauliflower rice, salt and pepper
- Flatten the top of the veggies with a spoon.
- Make two small holes and crack one egg into each.2 eggs
- Lower the heat and cover with a lid.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the eggs are cooked.
- Spoon the cottage cheese on top and serve warm.1 cup cottage cheese
Notes
- Mediterranean: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes, and top with feta.
- Spicy: Stir in a spoon of harissa or chili paste.
- Creamier: Mix a bit of crème fraîche through the cauliflower rice.
- Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan before serving.
- With meat: Stir in some crispy bacon or bits of cooked chicken.
Nutrition
Brenda says
What is curd? I only know of lemon curd.
Andréa says
It's quark. But you could also use cottage cheese, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt.