Paleo Ropa Vieja with Cauliflower Cuban Rice

This is a good one because it's a two parter,quick and easy.  The chicken cooks in the crock pot and the "rice" can  be made a half hour before. I go through phases and love the crock pot and everything that comes out of that little gem.  Then, other times I think "Ugh that was from the crockpot".  I do that with a lot of things. Like, eggs. You know I HATE EGGS.  For two days straight I've eaten bacon and eggs.  Things change, people change, the world is turned upside down.

Quick, clean, and Paleo.  

Tip:  I assembly the chicken in the crockpot the night before because it's quick and I have the time.  That way in the morning all I do is put it in the bottom and turn it on low.

Paleo Ropa Vieja with Cauliflower Cuban Rice 

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 7 1/2 hours

Serves: 4

Ingredients for Chicken:

1lb (or 5-6 pieces) of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
2 tbsp Thyme
2 tbsp Cumin
1 tbsp Salt
5-6 garlic cloves
1 green pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 onion
1 bay leaf
1 4ounce can tomato sauce
1 8 ounce can diced tomatoes

Ingredients for Rice

6 pieces of bacon
1 head Cauliflower
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt and pepper
1 6 ounce can tomato sauce

Directions:

1. I used a mandolin and  slices my vegetables thin. Line the bottom of your crockpot with the vegetables.

2. Place cleaned chicken on top, cutting a deep cut into each piece of chicken.
3. Put one peeled whole garlic clove in each piece of chicken.

4. Cover with spices.

5. Cover with both cans of tomatoes.

6. Mix in 1 bay leaf.
7. Place lid on and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
8. Remove bay leaf.
9. Shred with tongs or two forks.

When the chicken is a half and hour from being done make your "rice".
1. Cut the head of cauliflower into small chunks--while cutting up your caluiflower begin cooking your bacon.

2. Place small chunks into food process and pulse chop to turn it into what appears like a grain.

3. Remove bacon and set aside, but reserve fat.
4. Place rice into pan with bacon grease and saute for one-two minutes.

5. Cover with spices, mix well.

6. Cover with tomato sauce, mix well.

7. Top with bacon crumbled.
8. Cover for  30 minutes over medium heat.

SERVE!!