Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions
A hearty, one-pot dish where slow-simmered lentils and rice mingle with deeply sweet onions for a comforting weeknight dinner. This mediterranean (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, long-grain rice, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2, thinly sliced large onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils and 1 cup long-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add 2 thinly sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the rinsed lentils and rice, then pour in 3 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice is tender and lentils are creamy. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
