Spiced Lentils and Rice

Discover the comforting flavors of Spiced Lentils and Rice, a hearty one-pot dish infused with warm, aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and a hint of cinnamon. This nourishing recipe combines tender lentils and fluffy basmati rice, simmered to perfection in savory vegetable broth. The sautéed onion, garlic, and fresh ginger create a robust base, while optional fresh cilantro and zesty lemon wedges add a finishing touch of freshness. Perfect for a quick, vegetarian weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this wholesome recipe is easy to make and packed with protein and flavor. Enjoy a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 0 n/a salt, to taste
• 0 n/a black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and the cinnamon stick. Stir to coat the onion mixture in the spices, and cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well.

Step 6

Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 7

After 15 minutes, add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine.

Step 8

Cover and continue simmering for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the cinnamon stick and season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Fluff the mixture with a fork and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1639.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1213.5

Total Fat 39.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2647.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 179.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.4g	0%
Total Sugars 27.9g
Protein 45.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 305.9mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 3019.2mg	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: 28.2%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 57.3%