One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing one-pot pilaf blending brown rice and lentils with warming spices and fresh herbs, perfect for a wholesome vegan meal. This Indian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs brown rice, brown lentils, 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 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown rice and 1/2 cup rinsed brown lentils to the pan, stirring to coat with oil and spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the rice and lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Spiced Lentil and Brown 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-Pot Spiced Lentil and Brown 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-Pot Spiced Lentil and Brown 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.

Is One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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