Easy One Pot Lentils and Rice

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Easy One Pot Lentils and Rice recipe—an effortless, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender rice, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and warming spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, this wholesome dish comes together in just one pot for minimal cleanup. Simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying vegan and gluten-free option that pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. Ready in under an hour, this filling, budget-friendly recipe is ideal for meal prep or feeding a family.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup uncooked green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables in the spices. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the rinsed lentils and rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetable mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 8

Remove from heat and let the mixture rest, covered, for 5 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and fluff the lentils and rice with a fork.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1540.3 grams (1540.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2145

Total Fat 41.00g	53%
Saturated Fat 6.80g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4659mg	203%
Total Carbohydrate 365.80g	133%
Dietary Fiber 41.10g	147%
Total Sugars 25.10g
Protein 85.80g	172%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 406mg	31%
Iron 24mg	135%
Potassium 3775mg	80%

*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: 17.0%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 67.3%