Lentil Rice Pilaf
Savor the comforting flavors of this Lentil Rice Pilaf, a wholesome, one-pot dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This hearty recipe combines protein-packed brown lentils and fluffy long-grain white rice, cooked together with aromatic spices like cumin and a hint of cinnamon for a warm, earthy flavor profile. Gently sautéed onions and garlic build a rich base, while vegetable broth infuses every grain with savory goodness. It's quick to prepare with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep and ready in under an hour, serving up a nutritious, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, and enjoy this versatile dish as a satisfying standalone meal or a flavorful side to complement your favorite mains.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic, cumin powder, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf, then stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
After 15 minutes of cooking the lentils, add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot again, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 20 minutes or until the rice and lentils are tender.
Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf before serving.
Fluff the pilaf with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1164 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4615 mg | 201% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 169.4 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.7 g | 113% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.6 g | ||
| Protein | 41.6 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 2727 mg | 58% | |
*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.
