Easy Mediterranean Lentils And Rice
This quick one-pan vegetarian dish features tender lentils with aromatic basmati rice, caramelized onions, warm spices, and a bright lemon finish. A vibrant, protein-packed meal ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Optional Greek yogurt adds creamy depth, while pantry staples keep the recipe simple and adaptable.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz / 400 g each) drained and rinsed lentils
- 1½ cups cooked basmati rice or ½ cup / 100 g uncooked basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan alternative
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients (drained lentils, sliced onions, grated garlic)
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Cook onions until caramelized (8-10 minutes), adding ½ cup water halfway
- Stir in garlic, paprika, coriander, and cumin for 1-2 minutes
- Add cooked lentils with their water (from initial can) and rice
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is heated through (5-7 minutes)
- Remove from heat, mix in lemon juice and honey
- Top with optional yogurt before serving
Notes
Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for rice for extra flavor
Adjust spice amounts to taste; add dried oregano or cumin seeds for variation
Cooks best in 8-10 minutes for onions to avoid burning
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Substitute tahini for a nutty alternative to yogurt
Adjust spice amounts to taste; add dried oregano or cumin seeds for variation
Cooks best in 8-10 minutes for onions to avoid burning
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Substitute tahini for a nutty alternative to yogurt
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 180mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4g
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