Lentils With Rice
Lentils with rice offers a hearty, protein-rich dish with savory onions and spices, perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal suitable for vegetarians and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water and lentils in a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Slice the onion.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions until golden brown.
- Add rice, salt, and pepper to the lentils and water, then cook until the rice is done, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add the cooked oil and onions to the lentil and rice mixture.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or coriander to the lentils while cooking. If you don't have olive oil, vegetable oil or coconut oil can be good substitutes. You can also use brown rice instead of white for added nutrition. To speed up cooking, soak the lentils for a few hours beforehand. This dish is versatile and can be customized with ingredients like chopped tomatoes or bell peppers from your pantry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lentils with rice dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of Fettoosh Salad(Syrian) or Orange Carrot Salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the mixture to prevent it from drying out, then warm it in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also tastes great cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentils With Rice contains roughly 2387 calories, with 11g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 242g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2034mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet with the rice, salt, and pepper. Reduce the cooking time for the rice to ensure everything heats through without overcooking the lentils.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish, as it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. However, you can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds color and flavor to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).