Simple Spiced Lentil and Rice Bowl with Yogurt Drizzle

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-19 · Updated 2026-05-19

A nourishing bowl of spiced lentils and fluffy rice topped with a cooling yogurt drizzle, perfect for an affordable, balanced meal. This Middle Eastern vegan recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs brown lentils, basmati rice, and olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner. 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice and lentils are tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
7. Step 7: Fluff the lentil and rice mixture with a fork. Serve warm bowls topped with the yogurt drizzle.