Simple Lentil and Rice Bowl with Herbs
A nourishing bowl of tender lentils and rice infused with fresh herbs, simmered to create a hearty, protein-packed meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs dried brown lentils, water, cooked rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, dried brown lentils
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed brown lentils and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup chopped dill, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir the drained lentils into the skillet with the herbs and olive oil, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to coat all lentils.
- Step 4: Serve the herb-infused lentil mixture over 1 cup cooked rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Lentil and Rice Bowl with Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Simple Lentil and Rice Bowl with Herbs?
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 dried brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Lentil and Rice Bowl with Herbs?
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 Simple Lentil and Rice Bowl with Herbs 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.
What goes well with Simple Lentil and Rice Bowl with Herbs?
Mediterranean one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
