Easy Mediterranean Lentils and Rice – Flavorful Meal

Craving a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further than this Easy Mediterranean Lentils and Rice! This simple yet incredibly satisfying dish brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (like basmati), rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1-2 tbsp)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can caramelize them further.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, rinsed rice, ground cumin, ground coriander, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains and lentils with the spices.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and add salt to taste (start with 1 tsp, adjust later). Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam further and absorb any remaining moisture.
7. Uncover, fluff the lentils and rice with a fork, and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.