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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
