One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Rice Pilaf with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

A hearty one-pot pilaf combining brown lentils and basmati rice, enriched with caramelized onions and aromatic spices for a comforting meal. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs brown lentils, basmati rice, yellow onion 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 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, rinsed brown lentils
• 1 cup, rinsed basmati rice
• 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized.
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 fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils and 1 cup rinsed basmati rice, stirring to coat grains with spices and onion mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice and lentils are tender and liquid absorbed.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.