Straightforward One-Pot Lentils and Rice

Full of plant-based protein and easy pantry substances, this simple one-pot Rice and Lentils boasts delicate Moroccan flavors and sweetness from dried fruit. It’s a straightforward and kid-friendly dinner that’s so easy to make!

Lentils and Rice

I like together with vegetarian meals in our meal plan all through the week, and this simple weeknight dinner is one I’ve been making for years. The lentils and rice prepare dinner in about the identical time, the dried fruit provides a pleasant sweetness to the dish, and the comfy spices carry the entire thing collectively.

The bottom of this recipe may be very versatile, although we prefer it with plain yogurt (or Cucumber Yogurt Sauce), sliced cucumbers, and infrequently some pita chips.

It may be served as a finger meals to infants and even despatched in a children lunchbox in case you pack it in a thermos as a scorching lunch.

(You might also like my Italian Lentils and my Vegetarian Lentil Soup.)

Elements You Want

Right here’s a take a look at the substances you must make this simple lentils recipe so you understand what to have readily available.

• Brief-grain brown rice: I take advantage of such a rice since I like the feel and since it cooks in about the identical period of time as brown lentils.
• Brown lentils: Search for these close to different dried beans in your retailer. Brown lentils are finest since they’re those that prepare dinner in about the identical period of time, and with the identical liquid wants, as quick grain brown rice. (Don’t use crimson lentils. Inexperienced lentils are much like brown, although they often take longer to prepare dinner so they aren’t my advice right here both.)
• Onion and garlic: You’ll be able to mince these your self from contemporary or use frozen onions and jarred garlic.
• Spices: Cumin and cinnamon lend a delicate Moroccan taste to the recipe.
• Dried fruit: Choices resembling golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, or dried cherries are good within the combine. You need to use one kind or a mixture.

Step-by-Step Directions

Right here’s a take a look at the simple course of concerned in making this recipe so you understand what to anticipate. Scroll all the way down to the tip of the put up for the complete info, together with the quantities and timing.

1. Mince the onion and garlic.
2. Sauté.
3. Add the broth, rice, lentils, and spices. Stir.
4. Cowl and prepare dinner till softened throughout.
5. Chop dried fruit.
6. Stir within the dried fruit and greens, if utilizing.

Finest Rice for Lentils and Rice

I take advantage of short-grain brown rice right here because it cooks in about the identical time as lentils, however in case you use one other type of rice resembling long-grain brown rice, you simply could have rice that’s somewhat softer than the lentils. (White rice often cooks sooner than lentils so if you wish to use white rice, prepare dinner it individually and stir it into the cooked lentils and onion.)

Ideas for Cooking Lentils

Lentils prepare dinner properly when simmered for about half-hour, however in case you get to the tip of the cooking time and the lentils usually are not mushy if you chew one, merely add 1/2-1 cup extra water, stir, and canopy to proceed cooking. Rice can differ from model to model, however it’s simple to proceed cooking if wanted with somewhat extra liquid.

Easy methods to Retailer

Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3-5 days. Heat to serve.

You can too freeze leftovers in an hermetic container or freezer bag for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the fridge or at room temperature.

Finest Ideas for Success

• Use dried fruit resembling golden raisins, common raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or dried apricots. If utilizing apricots or massive fruits, reduce into smaller items with a knife or kitchen shears.
• High with yogurt, Cucumber Sauce, sliced cucumbers, pita chips, salted cashews, roasted sunflower seeds, crumbled goat cheese, or shredded cheese, if desired.
• Adults could wish to add scorching sauce.

Please depart a remark in case you do that recipe—I’d like to know what your loved ones considered it!

• Add the butter to a big skillet over medium warmth. When melted, add the onion and garlic. Stir and prepare dinner till the onion is simply softened, about 5 minutes.

• Stir within the rice and lentils. Add the broth. Convey to a simmer, flip warmth to medium-low, cowl, and prepare dinner till the broth is absorbed, about 40 minutes.

• Stir within the cumin, cinnamon, salt, and dried fruit. Add greens if utilizing. Cowl for 5-10 minutes. Season to style with salt and serve.

• Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3-5 days. Heat to serve.
• You can too freeze leftovers in an hermetic container or freezer bag for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the fridge or at room temperature.
• White rice often cooks sooner than lentils so if you wish to use white rice, prepare dinner it in a separate pot, then stir it into the cooked lentils and onion.
• Use dried fruit resembling golden raisins, common raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or dried apricots. If utilizing apricots or massive fruit, reduce into smaller items with a knife or kitchen shears.
• High with salted cashews, roasted sunflower seeds, crumbled goat cheese, or shredded cheese, if desired.
• High with plain yogurt or bitter cream if desired.
• Adults could wish to add scorching sauce.

Energy: 367kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 16g, Fats: 6g, Saturated Fats: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g, Monounsaturated Fats: 2g, Trans Fats: 1g, Ldl cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 282mg, Potassium: 568mg, Fiber: 13g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 852IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 4mg