Best 7 Red Lentils And Rice Recipes

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**Red Lentils and Rice: A Wholesome and Flavorful Dish**

Red lentils and rice is a classic dish that combines the goodness of lentils and the heartiness of rice. This nutritious and flavorful combination is a staple in many cultures around the world, and for good reason. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

This article offers a collection of delectable red lentils and rice recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From traditional Indian dal to hearty Mediterranean-inspired dishes and even a delightful vegan option, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

**1. Classic Indian Dal:**
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of India with this timeless dal recipe. Red lentils are simmered in a flavorful broth of aromatic spices, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and creamy coconut milk. Serve it with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and comforting meal.

**2. Mediterranean Red Lentils and Rice:**
Transport yourself to the shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful dish. Juicy tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini are sautéed with aromatic herbs and spices, then combined with red lentils and fluffy rice. Finish it off with a tangy lemon-tahini sauce for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

**3. Vegan Red Lentils and Rice:**
Indulge in a plant-based delight with this vegan rendition of red lentils and rice. Lentils are cooked in a flavorful broth made with vegetable stock, diced vegetables, and a blend of spices. The addition of creamy coconut milk and fresh cilantro creates a rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for a meatless meal.

**4. Red Lentils and Rice Pilaf:**
Experience the nutty flavor of basmati rice combined with the earthy goodness of red lentils in this pilaf recipe. Fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom elevate the flavors, while toasted almonds and raisins add a delightful crunch and sweetness. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with your favorite protein.

**5. Red Lentils and Rice Soup:**
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and restorative soup. Red lentils, vegetables, and rice are simmered in a flavorful broth until tender and creamy. A touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs brighten up the flavors, making this soup a comforting and nourishing meal.

With this diverse collection of red lentils and rice recipes, you're sure to find the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. From classic Indian dal to hearty Mediterranean-inspired creations and even a delightful vegan option, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPICY RED LENTILS AND RICE



Spicy Red Lentils and Rice image

Spicy Red Lentils and Rice! If you love Indian dal, you've gotta try this healthy, vegan and gluten-free dish. Spiced lentils in a savory curry sauce served with rice.

Provided by Alex Caspero

Categories     main

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cup red lentils
3 1/4-4 cups water
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon tomato puree
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
1 tablespoon very finely sliced fresh ginger
1-2 thai red chili's, chopped
2 cups cooked basmati rice, for serving
chopped cilantro, for serving

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils, 3 1/4 cups water, turmeric, grated ginger, salt and garam masala in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir in the tomato purée. Depending on how soupy you want this, feel free to add in more water. The lentils will thicken as they stand.
  • While the lentils are cooking, cook the rice.
  • About 5 minutes before the lentils are to be ready, heat the canola oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, sliced garlic, sliced ginger and thai red chilis and simmer until garlic is just tender but not browned. Drizzle the heated oil mixture into the lentils and stir together. Season to taste, as needed.
  • Divide rice among 4 bowls and top with lentils. Garnish with cilantro.

LENTILS AND RICE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS RECIPE BY TASTY



Lentils and Rice With Caramelized Onions Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: medium red onion, olive oil, water, medium red onion, garlic, olive oil, green lentil, long grain rice, salt, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaf, fresh parsley, lemon, greek yogurt

Provided by Andrew Ilnyckyj

Categories     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 ½ cups water
½ medium red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup green lentil
1 cup long grain rice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 lemon
½ cup greek yogurt

Steps:

  • In a large pot, sauté the diced red onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the water, green lentils, and salt to the large pot. Bring to a boil.
  • Cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • To make the caramelized onions, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat and add the onion slices, stirring occasionally until completely soft, dark brown, and caramelized.
  • NOTE: This will take about 30 minutes. The onions should become very dark and tacky when finished. Stir often to avoid burning.
  • Add the rice, cumin, cinnamon, and bayleaf to the lentils. Stir.
  • Cook covered for about 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
  • Serve lentils and rice topped with the caramelized onions, chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and Greek yogurt if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Carbohydrate 82 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 20 grams, Sugar 8 grams

BLACK RICE AND RED LENTIL SALAD



Black Rice and Red Lentil Salad image

This colorful mixture is hard to resist, with its contrasting chewy and crunchy textures and the nutty Asian dressing. Black rice, high in antioxidant-rich anthocyanins, is now a staple in my pantry.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     salads and dressings

Time 1h15m

Yield 3 to 4 generous servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup black rice, like Forbidden Rice or Lundberg Black Japonica
1 1/4 cups water
Salt to taste
1/2 cup fresh or frozen edamame
1/2 cup red lentils, soaked in cold water to cover for 2 or 3 hours and drained
1/4 cup broken walnuts
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
1 teaspoon finely chopped or grated fresh ginger
Soy sauce to taste (optional)
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil or walnut oil (substitute olive oil or grapeseed oil if you are allergic to tree nuts or sesame seeds)
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Combine the rice, water and salt to taste in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer 40 to 50 minutes, until all of the liquid in the pan has been absorbed by the rice. Remove from the heat. Remove the lid, place a clean dish towel over the pan and return the lid. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, if using frozen edamame, cook it, following the directions on the package.
  • In a medium bowl, toss together the rice, edamame, lentils, walnuts and cilantro. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the rice vinegar, lime juice, ginger, soy sauce, cayenne, sesame or walnut oil and grapeseed oil. Toss with the salad. Refrigerate in a bowl or in containers until ready to take to work or eat.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 291, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 368 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

EASY ONE POT LENTILS AND RICE



Easy One Pot Lentils and Rice image

I made this for dinner tonight, and the whole family loved it. I make lentils and rice quite often in a million and one different ways, and never with a recipe, but decided to post this one for safe keeping so that I can make it this way again. I served this as a rice ring (with easy glazed carrots and raisins in the middle). I had no onions on hand, but this would be excellent with carmelized onions on top. You may need to use a little more or less water depending on the age of your lentils. I used 6 1/2 cups, and it was perfect. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

Provided by cicict1976

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup dry green lentils
6 1/2 cups water
4 -5 garlic cloves
1 -2 bay leaf
1/2 tablespoon cumin seed
1 pinch cinnamon
2 cups basmati rice
1/2-1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Cover the lentils with the water.
  • Peel and crush the garlic cloves lightly with the back of a knife. Leave the cloves whole, so that they flavor the dish but can be removed if desired. (I leave them out of the kids' portions, and give them to my DH and myself).
  • Add garlic to the pot, along with the bay leaves, cumin seeds and cinnamon. (DO NOT add salt at this point, as lentils will not cook properly).
  • Bring to a boil. Cook at a boil until the lentils are just tender. This should take about 25 minutes, but may take longer dependig on the age of your lentils.
  • Add the rice, salt and olive oil, and bring back to a boil.
  • Stir, cover pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Check to make sure the rice is done, adjust seasonings, and serve. If there is still too much liquid in the pan, just let it sit uncovered for a few minutes.
  • Enjoy!

ITALIAN RED LENTIL AND BROWN RICE SOUP



Italian Red Lentil and Brown Rice Soup image

Red lentils and brown rice make for a thick vegetarian soup that's full of fiber, filling you up quickly. I came up with this when I only had a few ingredients to work with while in the mood for lentil soup. Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy.

Provided by Sola

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas     Lentil Soup Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 ¼ cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
½ cup uncooked brown rice
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dried celery flakes
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, red lentils, brown rice, Italian seasoning, celery flakes, white pepper, and marjoram. Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils break down and rice is tender, about 55 minutes.
  • Stir balsamic vinegar into the soup just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Carbohydrate 66.4 g, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 12.4 g, Protein 20 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 651.4 mg, Sugar 8.9 g

RED LENTILS WITH RICE



Red Lentils with Rice image

Categories     Rice     Lentil     Boil

Yield makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons corn, grapeseed, or other neutral oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Fragrant Curry Powder (page 593) or any not-too-strong curry powder or garam masala (page 594)
3/4 cup dried red lentils
1 cup long-grain rice
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter, optional

Steps:

  • Put the oil in a large skillet or flameproof casserole with a lid over medium-high heat; a minute later, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown on its edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry powder, then 3 cups water. Bring to a boil and add the lentils and rice. Bring back to a boil, then cover and adjust the heat so the mixture simmers steadily.
  • Cook until the rice and lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and, if necessary, boil off excess water. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the butter if you're using it. When it has been incorporated, turn off the heat and serve.

FRAGRANT RED LENTILS WITH RICE



Fragrant Red Lentils With Rice image

From Cooking Light. 409 calories, 9.3 g fat, 20.6 g protein, 63.4 g carb, 9.5 g fiber 13 mg cholesterol.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Lentil

Time 1h40m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried red lentils
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
3/4 cup chopped green onion
1 tablespoon seeded minced jalapeno pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 1/2 cups hot cooked brown basmati rice or 2 1/2 cups brown rice
5 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt

Steps:

  • Let the oil get heated in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add diced onion and stir/saute for 6 minutes or until onion starts to brown.
  • Add in ginger and next 5 ingredients; stir/saute for 1 minute.
  • Add 3 cups water, lentils, and salt; bring to a boil.
  • Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender; throw out bay leaves.
  • Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
  • Add in green onions and jalapeno pepper; stir/saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add to lentil mixture along with lime juice, cilantro, and garam masala; stir to combine.
  • To serve: put 1/2 cup rice into a shallow bowl; spoon 3/4 cup lentil mixture over rice for each serving; top with 1 tablespoon yogurt for each serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 651.8, Fat 11.1, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 12.8, Sodium 407.8, Carbohydrate 115, Fiber 22, Sugar 6.7, Protein 23.8

Tips for Making Red Lentils and Rice:

  • Rinse the lentils: This helps to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Use a flavorful broth: Vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth all work well.
  • Add vegetables: Chopped carrots, celery, and onions are a classic addition, but you can also use other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Season the lentils and rice: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin are all good options, but you can also use other spices that you like.
  • Cook the lentils and rice until they are tender: This usually takes about 20 minutes, but it may take longer depending on the type of lentils you are using.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro or parsley are a nice finishing touch.

Conclusion:

Red lentils and rice is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish. It is a great option for a weeknight meal or a potluck. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your red lentils and rice turn out perfect every time. From choosing the right lentils to adding flavorful ingredients, there are many ways to customize this dish to your liking. So experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors for your next meal.

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