Simple Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle
A nourishing bowl of spiced lentils and fluffy rice topped with a cooling yogurt drizzle, perfect for an affordable, balanced meal. This middle eastern-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, rinsed basmati rice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 cup rinsed basmati rice, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice and lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 7: Fluff the lentil and rice mixture with a fork. Serve warm bowls topped with the yogurt drizzle.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle?
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 rinsed brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle?
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 Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle 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.
What goes well with Simple Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle?
Middle Eastern vegan 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.
