Easy Mediterranean Lentils Rice – Delicious & Quick Meal

Craving a healthy, hearty, and unbelievably easy meal that tastes like sunshine? Look no further than this Easy Mediterranean Lentils and Rice! Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a flavorful one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights or wholesome meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed lentils, rinsed rice, vegetable broth (or water), ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the lentils and rice are tender.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the rice to steam further and become fluffy.
6. Uncover, gently fluff the lentils and rice with a fork. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve hot, with an extra drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil on top if desired.