Microwave Spanish Rice and Lentil Pilaf
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this quick and flavorful Microwave Spanish Rice and Lentil Pilaf, a hearty one-dish recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. Bursting with smoky paprika, earthy lentils, and aromatic cumin, this fuss-free dish comes together entirely in the microwave, making it a perfect go-to for busy schedules. Cooked with vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of vibrant veggies like bell peppers and peas, this satisfying vegan pilaf delivers bold flavors and wholesome nutrition in just 25 minutes. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of zesty lemon, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s versatile enough for meal prep, a cozy dinner, or a flavorful side. Let this Spanish-inspired microwave recipe bring convenience and excitement to your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the rice and lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
In a large microwave-safe dish with a lid, heat the olive oil for 1 minute on high power.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the dish, stir well, and microwave for 3 minutes on high power until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, and microwave for 30 seconds to activate the spices.
Add the rinsed rice and lentils to the dish, stirring well to coat them with the spiced onion mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes, and stir to combine. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Microwave on high power for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Be careful when removing the lid as steam will be released.
After 20 minutes, check the rice and lentils for doneness. If needed, microwave in 3-minute intervals until both are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the frozen peas and diced bell pepper, then microwave for an additional 2 minutes to warm them through.
Let the pilaf rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice and lentils with a fork, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
330 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.2 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 918 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.7 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g | ||
| Protein | 12.3 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 119 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1111 mg | 24% | |
*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.
