One-Pot Lentil and Rice Bowl

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-rich bowl simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices. Uses affordable pantry staples for a satisfying meal that costs less than $2 per serving. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Brown lentils, White rice, Vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup diced carrot, and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and golden at the edges.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatics are coated in oil.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1/2 cup white rice, and 1.5 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lentil and Rice Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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-Pot Lentil and Rice Bowl?

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 One-Pot Lentil and Rice Bowl?

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-Pot Lentil and Rice Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 One-Pot Lentil and Rice Bowl 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.

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