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.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, cumin powder, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf, then stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 6

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 7

After 15 minutes of cooking the lentils, add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Fluff the pilaf with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1487.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1164.4

Total Fat 38.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4614.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.7g	0%
Total Sugars 22.6g
Protein 41.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281.4mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 2727.3mg	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: 28.9%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 57.0%