Lightened up cauliflower rice mujadara made with low-carb cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and less oil. This dish is super easy to make and can be eaten as a side or a vegetarian main. It’s gluten-free, grain-free and vegan.
What is Mujadara?
Let me introduce you to the amazing Middle Eastern dish, mujadara. If you’ve never had it before it’s typically a combination of lentils, rice, caramelized onions which sounds fairly basic but it is soooo tasty! Isaac and I both love it. I think it has something to do with those caramelized onions.
Plus, the name is really fun to say!
I first had mujadara from a local Mediterranean deli. Our favorite spot was right next to Isaac’s old teaching job so he would grab lunch there often and would bring home leftover tabbouleh and mujadara. Let’s just say I wasn’t complaining about the leftovers.
How to make Mujadara with Cauliflower Rice
There are a million variations of mujadara, but it is traditionally loaded with oil and higher in carbs with both lentils and regular rice so I decided to lighten it up a little by using cauliflower rice and less oil! I always love when I can remake my favorite restaurant dishes at home, but if I can figure out how to make it a little healthier? Bonus points!
Note that you can make this recipe even quicker if you use Trader Joe’s pre-cooked lentils (found in the produce section). My local store has been out for a month but I just saw they’re back in stock! I may cry if they ever discontinue those bad boys.
If you try this cauliflower rice mujadara be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. I love seeing your feedback and it’s super helpful for other members of the EBF community as well.Â
Cauliflower Rice Mujadara
5 from 9 votes
Lightened up mujadara with low-carb cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and less oil. This dish is super easy to make and can be eaten as a side or a vegetarian main. It's gluten-free, grain-free and vegan.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the garlic and onions. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and dark brown, about 20-30 minutes. Add cumin, cinnamon and season with a few liberal shakes of salt and pepper.
Lower heat and add cauliflower rice to the skillet. Cook until cauliflower rice has soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir together cooked lentils, onions and cauliflower rice in a large dish. Serve warm (or at room temp).
Top with a little yogurt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), fresh mint and parsley.
This turned out so well!! The combination of cumin and cinnamon, with just a hint of kick from the red pepper flakes, made an easy and super yummy dish. I used TJ’s lentils as well, which sped things up a bit too 🙂
This recipe is great!!! I added a touch of timer if but no red pepper flakes. I also added some roasted zucchini, eggplant, and peppers from my garden. I served with yogurt and a Zhoug sauce.
I enjoyed is, thank you! Had a bag of cauliflower rice that I wasn’t sure what to do with and this was the perfect way to use it!
I made a quick sauce as a sub for the yogurt: tahini with harissa, lemon juice and salt. Made for a light and enjoyable lunch. 🙂
Ahh yay!! I’m so glad you were able to use your cauliflower rice that you had, Anne. Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it!
Made this for dinner last night – we loved it! Cooked the lentils in the instant pot in vegetable broth, did not serve with yogurt, definitely included the red pepper flakes… Delicious and will make again! Thank you!
Hi Allison! I’m sure the lentils cooked in veggie broth added some nice flavor! I’m so glad you tried and enjoyed this recipe. I really appreciate you coming back to leave a star rating. The ratings are super helpful!
Leave a Comment
This turned out so well!! The combination of cumin and cinnamon, with just a hint of kick from the red pepper flakes, made an easy and super yummy dish. I used TJ’s lentils as well, which sped things up a bit too 🙂
Oh yay!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this dish!! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it. 🙂
Really nice, simple dish. Full of flavor and easy to make. Thank you for this recipe!
I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, Marta! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it!
This recipe is great!!! I added a touch of timer if but no red pepper flakes. I also added some roasted zucchini, eggplant, and peppers from my garden. I served with yogurt and a Zhoug sauce.
I will definitely make this again
So pumped you enjoyed this dish, Amanda!! Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it!
I enjoyed is, thank you! Had a bag of cauliflower rice that I wasn’t sure what to do with and this was the perfect way to use it!
I made a quick sauce as a sub for the yogurt: tahini with harissa, lemon juice and salt. Made for a light and enjoyable lunch. 🙂
Ahh yay!! I’m so glad you were able to use your cauliflower rice that you had, Anne. Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it!
Made this for dinner last night – we loved it! Cooked the lentils in the instant pot in vegetable broth, did not serve with yogurt, definitely included the red pepper flakes… Delicious and will make again! Thank you!
Hi Allison! I’m sure the lentils cooked in veggie broth added some nice flavor! I’m so glad you tried and enjoyed this recipe. I really appreciate you coming back to leave a star rating. The ratings are super helpful!