Simmered Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nut Yogurt

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

A comforting bowl of brown lentils and rice slow-simmered with deeply sweet onions, finished with a tangy yogurt sauce studded with toasted pine nuts. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs brown lentils, long-grain brown rice, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 cup rinsed long-grain brown rice, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender.
  2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Once lentils are cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the caramelized onions. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for the sauce. Serve the lentil-rice mixture topped with the yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nut Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 Simmered Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nut Yogurt?

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 Simmered Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nut Yogurt?

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 Simmered Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nut Yogurt 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 Simmered Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nut Yogurt gluten-free?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes