Shared by Lottie Bildirici
Shared by Lottie Bildirici
Cauliflower Mujadara (Cauliflower and Lentils)
Yield: 4-6 servingsTime: 50 min
Cauliflower Mujadara (Cauliflower and Lentils)
Yield: 4-6 servingsTime: 50 minFamily Journey
Aleppo, Syria
New York City
Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish using rice, lentils, and caramelized onions. Inspired by cookbook author Lottie Bildirici's Middle Eastern roots, her mom often made this for dinner when she was growing up. In Lottie's version, she decided to use cauliflower rice to make the recipe plant forward. The caramelized onions are key to adding a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight side dish or base to a rice, protein, and veggie bowl.
Note: If using frozen cauliflower rice, defrost it before using in the recipe.
Read more about Lottie's family in "In This Syrian Community, There’s Always Mujadara on Thursdays" and try her recipes for mujadara (rice with lentils and fried onions) and jibon (spinach and cheese casserole).
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups brown lentils
- 3 cups cauliflower rice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 ½ garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ -½ teaspoon cumin seed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 3 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Preparation
Step 1
Cook the lentils: Rinse lentils and place them in a pot with 3 cups of water and one teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook covered for 15-20 minutes, until lentils are tender. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and deeply caramelized. Add the garlic, cumin seed, oregano, and chili flakes (if using), and toast for 1 minute. Season with 3 teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoons pepper. Add the lentils and cauliflower rice into the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and combined. If needed, season with more salt and pepper.
Step 3
Serve warm.
Recipe from RUNNING ON VEGGIES. Copyright © 2021 by Lottie Bildirici. Published by Rodale Books, and imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.
