A Simple and Savory Rice with Green Lentils Dish

Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy on the wallet and good for you? This recipe for Rice with Green Lentils is a winner! Packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, and bursting with savory goodness from the bacon and aromatics, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more legumes into your diet. Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a surprising amount of health benefits:

• High in Protein and Fiber: Lentils are a complete plant-based protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs. They’re also a fantastic source of fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer and aids in digestion.
• Promotes Heart Health: Lentils are rich in fiber, potassium, and magnesium, all of which contribute to a healthy heart. They can help lower bad cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure.
• Blood Sugar Control: Lentils’ high fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels, making them a beneficial food for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
• Rich in Micronutrients: Lentils are a good source of iron, folate, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and well-being.

Here’s what you’ll need for the Rice with Green Lentils:

• Lentils: Green lentils are the star of the show, but feel free to experiment with brown or black lentils if you prefer.
• Aromatics: Onion, scallions, thyme, and parsley add depth of flavor to the dish.
• Bacon or Lardons: These add a salty, smoky element, but you can easily omit them for a vegetarian option.
• Rice: Long-grain rice is the perfect choice for this recipe, but you can also use basmati or brown rice if desired.
• Olive Oil: A touch of healthy fat helps to saute the vegetables and adds richness to the finished dish.

Let’s get cooking!

1. Cook the Lentils: Start by boiling the green lentils until tender. This takes about 30 minutes.
2. Sauté the Flavorings: While the lentils are cooking, heat some oil in a separate skillet and fry the bacon or lardons until crispy. Add the chopped onion, scallions, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, and cloves. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Combine and Cook: Add the sauteed mixture to the pot with the cooked lentils. Stir in the rinsed rice and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the water level if needed to ensure the rice is just covered.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Once most of the water has evaporated, add a drizzle of olive oil and stir well. Continue cooking on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy! This flavorful rice and lentil dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or a dollop of plain yogurt for added creaminess.

Here are some tips for cooking this delicious dish:

• Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
• Don’t Overcook the Lentils: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Aim for al dente, where they’re tender but still hold their shape.
• Leftovers Freeze Well: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.
• Make it Vegetarian: Simply omit the bacon or lardons for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of turmeric or smoked paprika for a flavor twist. Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can also brighten up the dish.
• You Endui if you don’t have lardon or bacon.

With its protein-packed lentils and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to keep you feeling satisfied all afternoon or evening. So ditch the takeout menu and whip up this simple and delicious meal tonight!

Source:

Forget takeout! This one-pot Rice and Green Lentils recipe is bursting with flavor and protein, all while being budget-friendly and easy to clean up. Here’s how to make it in simple steps, with some helpful tips along the way:

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Side Dishes

Cuisine Caribbean Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 437 kcal

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 sprig thyme fresh or dried
• 1 sprig parsley chopped
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 scallion thinly sliced
• Optional 7 oz lardons or 2-3 strips bacon, chopped
• 2 whole cloves
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 1/3 cups long-grain rice rinsed
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Rinse the Rice: A quick rinse removes excess starch for fluffier rice.

• Lentil Lovers? Double or triple the lentils for a heartier dish.

• Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the bacon or lardons.

• Flavor Boosters: Want to add a twist? Try a pinch of turmeric or smoked paprika for a warm, earthy flavor. Chopped fresh cilantro or dill adds a pop of freshness.

• Lentil Power: In a large pot, combine lentils with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until tender.

• Tip: Don’t overcook the lentils! Aim for al dente, where they’re slightly firm but cooked through.

• Flavor Builders: While the lentils simmer, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion, scallions, and optional bacon/lardons. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

• Aromatic Infusion: Throw in the thyme sprig (fresh or crumbled dried), chopped parsley, cloves, and bay leaves. Sauté for another minute, allowing the flavors to mingle.

• The Big Combine: Add the sauteed mixture to the pot with the cooked lentils. Stir in the rinsed rice and season generously with salt and black pepper.

• Simmer to Perfection: Bring the pot to a simmer, then reduce heat again, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.

Check the water level occasionally. The rice should be just covered throughout cooking. Add a splash of water if needed.
The Finishing Touch: Once most of the water has evaporated and the rice is nearly cooked, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and stir well. Reduce heat to low, cover, and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and tender.
Serve and Savor: Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious meal on its own or pair it with a side salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Serving: 1gramsCalories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 16gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 553mgFiber: 15gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 4mg

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.

Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.

Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.

Originally published on February 29, 2016. Revised and updated.