Lebanese Eggplant Rice

Lebanese Eggplant Rice is a flavorful low-carb dish that combines roasted eggplant with aromatic spices and cauliflower rice. This delightful recipe brings a taste of Lebanon to your table while keeping it healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower - 400 grams
• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small (about 100 grams), finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplant into small cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant cubes under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. In a bowl, toss the eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and tender, flipping halfway through cooking.
6. While the eggplant is roasting, prepare the cauliflower rice. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
7. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
9. Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
10. Once the eggplant is roasted, mix it into the cauliflower rice. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to combine.
11. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 14 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from eggplant, which help fight inflammation.
• Low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for low-carb diets.

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