Easy One-Pot Lentil and Rice Pilaf: Comfort Food Made Simple

One-Pot Lentil and Rice Pilaf is a comforting, nutritious meal that is easy to make and customizable.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Resting Time 5

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base Pilaf

1 cup Brown Lentils soak briefly or rinse well
1 cup Long-Grain Rice such as basmati
1 medium Onion finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic minced
2 tablespoons Olive Oil for sautéing

For the Spice Blend

1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 leaf Bay Leaf

For Liquid and Finish

4 cups Vegetable Broth use low-sodium
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed pot

Method

Cooking Steps

Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add cumin, turmeric, paprika, and bay leaf; stir constantly for 1 minute.
Stir in rinsed brown lentils and long-grain rice, ensuring each grain is coated.
Pour in vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes; then fluff with a fork.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle with lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish. Rinse all ingredients thoroughly before starting to prevent clumping.

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