Curried Cauliflower Rice with Lentils & Crispy Shallot (Mujadara-Inspired)
User Reviews
4.7
96 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
4 (Servings)
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Calories
332 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern, Vegan
Curried Cauliflower Rice with Lentils & Crispy Shallot (Mujadara-Inspired)
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A grain-free, healthier take on Middle Eastern-inspired mujadara with cauliflower rice, lentils, and crispy shallot! A satisfying, affordable, flavorful side dish or main.
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Ingredients
LENTILS
- 3/4 cup green or brown lentils* (we recommend soaking overnight or buying sprouted)
- 2 ¼ cups (low sodium) vegetable broth (sub up to 1/2 with water — RESERVE remaining liquid after cooking)
CAULIFLOWER RICE
- 1 medium head cauliflower, “riced” (~4 cups as recipe is written)
SHALLOT
- 2 cups thinly sliced shallot (or sub diced onion)
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or brown rice flour or all purpose flour if not grain-free)
- 1/2 heaping tsp sea salt
- 1-2 Tbsp avocado oil, or more as needed (see notes on reducing or omitting oil)
THE REST
- 1 Tbsp avocado or olive oil (or sub water)
- 1 tsp cumin seed
- 1 tsp coriander seed
- 1-2 Tbsp curry powder (or sub store-bought)
- sea salt to taste (~1/2 tsp as recipe is written)
- 2 medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped (optional)
FOR SERVING optional
- lemon juice
- fresh parsley
- pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Start by cooking lentils (see notes if using canned). Add rinsed and drained lentils to a small saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are just tender with a very slight bite — about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove lentils from heat but don’t drain yet. Set a fine mesh strainer or colander over a mixing bowl and strain the lentils, SAVING the vegetable broth for later use!
- Next, using a fine box grater or the grater attachment on your food processor, prepare your cauliflower rice if you haven’t already. See this post for more detailed instructions. Set aside.
- Next, add sliced shallot to a small mixing bowl and toss to coat with chickpea flour and sea salt. Set aside. NOTE: If you'd prefer more tender shallot, simply pan sauté (omitting the crispy coating mixture) in a little oil or water over medium-low heat until golden brown and tender. See notes for low/no-oil option.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add oil (starting with the lesser amount) and only as many shallot pieces as will fit comfortably in the pan. Sauté until crispy and brown, stirring frequently — about 4-5 minutes. Repeat as needed, adding more oil and shallots to the pan until all are cooked. Remove half of the shallot from the pan and set aside for later use.
- To the skillet with the remaining shallot, add a bit more oil (or water). Then add coriander and cumin seed and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add cooked drained lentils and season with a few pinches of sea salt. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Then add cauliflower rice, curry powder (starting with the lower amount and working your way up), a healthy pinch of sea salt, and the remaining crispy shallot set aside from earlier (reserving a few spoonfuls for garnish if desired). Add a few Tbsp (~45 ml) of the reserved lentil vegetable broth at a time until the cauliflower rice appears moistened. You don’t want it to be soggy, just slightly moistened.
- Add dates (optional) at this time and stir again to combine. Continue sautéing over medium heat uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes, or until cauliflower rice is tender and golden brown.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt or curry powder to taste or broth for moisture.
- Garnish with any remaining crispy shallot (optional), lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and/or pomegranate arils (optional) and serve.
- Best when fresh, though leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days and be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Notes
- *If using canned lentils, simply rinse 1 15 oz (425g) can of lentils, drain, and set aside. Add to the recipe when the instructions call for them. *For a lower / no oil option: Add the seasoned/breaded shallot to a baking sheet and spritz lightly with avocado oil (or omit oil altogether). Bake in a 400 degree F (204 C) oven for 7-10 minutes (stirring occasionally for even cooking) or until the onions are crispy and golden brown (be careful not to burn them). *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with low sodium vegetable broth, the lesser amounts of avocado oil, and without optional ingredients.
- *For a lower / no oil option: Add the seasoned/breaded shallot to a baking sheet and spritz lightly with avocado oil (or omit oil altogether). Bake in a 400 degree F (204 C) oven for 7-10 minutes (stirring occasionally for even cooking) or until the onions are crispy and golden brown (be careful not to burn them).
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1servings
Calories
332
(17%)
Carbohydrates
51.4g
(17%)
Protein
15.9g
(32%)
Fat
9.2g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1.1g
(6%)
Sodium
438mg
(18%)
Potassium
855mg
(24%)
Fiber
13.1g
(52%)
Sugar
12.3g
(25%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4(Servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 332 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1servings | |
| Calories | 332 | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 51.4g | 17% |
| Protein | 15.9g | 32% |
| Fat | 9.2g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1g | 6% |
| Sodium | 438mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 855mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 13.1g | 52% |
| Sugar | 12.3g | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
96 reviews
Excellent
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