Go Back
–+ servings
Easy lentils and rice in a pan, ready for transferring into serving plates.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Lentils with Rice Recipe

Lentils and Rice is a one-pan, flavor-packed, and nutritious dish!  It combines tender lentils with perfectly cooked rice seasoned with aromatic spices.  So easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber --- a satisfying meal that will surely make you ask for seconds!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 375kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 140 grams green lentils (2/3 cup), rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped finely
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 1 small carrot
  • 70 grams rice (1/3 cup)
  • 4 to 4 & 1/2 cups stock
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste, heaping
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 piece dried bay leaf
  • salt and pepper, to season

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat.
  • Sauté the garlic and onions and cook until they soften.
  • Add the chopped carrot, celery, bell pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Continue sauteing for about three minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika and cayenne.
  • Continue cooking for two more minutes --- mixing often to prevent burning the spices (lower the heat if necessary).
  • Add the rinsed green lentils and mix.
  • Pour the stock and add the bay leaf.
  • Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
  • Adjust the heat to medium-low, and simmer for twenty-five minutes.
  • Add the rice and continue simmering for fifteen to eighteen minutes or until the rice is cooked.
  • While simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and ground black pepper (or any of the spices used).
  • Remove the pan from heat and transfer your lentils and rice to plates.
  • Drizzle with olive oil ---- and serve!

Notes

  • Cook's Tip: No need to simmer the lentils for a long time when cooking pre-cooked ones.
  • Refer to the post above for more tips and substitutions.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 856mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3519IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg