One-Pan Lentil and Rice Pilaf
A wholesome one-pan meal combining fluffy rice, tender lentils, and aromatic spices for a quick, nutrient-packed dinner. This middle eastern-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown rice, cooked lentils, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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 rice
- 1 cup, cooked lentils
- 1, diced onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1, diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 cup diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cooked lentils, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup brown rice and 1/2 cup water. Stir to combine. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lentil and Rice Pilaf take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 One-Pan Lentil and Rice Pilaf?
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 rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lentil and Rice Pilaf?
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 One-Pan Lentil and Rice Pilaf 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.
What goes well with One-Pan Lentil and Rice Pilaf?
Middle Eastern vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
Related recipes
One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Rice Pilaf
Simple Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle
Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame Rice
Thai Lemongrass and Tofu Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles
Thai Peanut and Tofu Stir Fry with Jasmine Rice and Cilantro
Sesame-Ginger Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy and Rice
