Fragrant Red Lentils with Rice
Warm, cozy, and nutrient-packed, Fragrant Red Lentils with Rice is a delightful one-pot dish that combines creamy red lentils and fluffy basmati rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. Infused with a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon, this recipe delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Coconut milk lends a luxurious creaminess, while fresh ginger and garlic add a zesty kick. With a finishing touch of vibrant cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, this wholesome, plant-based meal is not only packed with protein but also irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in under an hour and is ideal for meal prep or serving as a hearty main dish with flatbread.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste salt
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cut into wedges lemon
Instructions
Rinse both the red lentils and basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices, stirring constantly.
Add the red lentils, 3 cups of water, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture thickens.
Meanwhile, combine the basmati rice and 1 cup of water in a separate pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the rice absorbs the water and becomes tender. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Taste the lentils and adjust the seasoning as needed. If they are too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the fragrant red lentils over the cooked rice.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this warm and hearty dish as a standalone meal or pair it with flatbread for an even more indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
904 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.5 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2449 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 134.9 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 238 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1481 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
