High Protein Rice with Lentils

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bold spices, this High Protein Rice with Lentils recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Featuring hearty brown rice and protein-rich lentils, this dish pairs beautifully with sautéed onion, garlic, and carrots, all infused with the warm, earthy flavors of cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Simmered in vegetable broth for an extra depth of flavor, it’s finished with a splash of lemon juice and fresh cilantro for a zesty, aromatic touch. This one-pot vegan recipe is not only easy to make but also gluten-free, high in fiber, and loaded with plant-powered protein to keep you feeling full and energized. Serve it as a satisfying main course or a nourishing side—it’s a flavorful choice for anyone looking to embrace healthy and vibrant eating!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice and lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and impurities.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and cumin seeds to the pot. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is aromatic.

Step 4

Stir in the ground turmeric and ground coriander, allowing the spices to bloom for about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice and lentils to the pot, and stir to coat them with the spice mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring the rice and lentils are fully submerged. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 35-40 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are cooked through and tender.

Step 8

Check the pot occasionally, and if necessary, add a little more broth or water to keep the mixture from drying out.

Step 9

Once cooked, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh cilantro and lemon juice right before serving for a burst of freshness.

Step 10

Fluff the mixture with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your nutritious high-protein rice with lentils!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1662.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	872.8

Total Fat 33.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6194.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.2g	0%
Total Sugars 17.7g
Protein 29.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 224.5mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 2237.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.0%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 53.9%