Description
One-Pot Lentils Rice with Spinach is a healthy, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that combines protein-rich lentils, comforting rice, and vitamin-packed spinach. This one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone aiming for a wholesome, flavorful dish that requires minimal cleanup. Ideal for weight loss or healthy eating, it’s vegetarian, delicious, and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 cup rice (brown or basmati)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water with a vegetable bouillon cube)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Oils & Seasonings
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, cumin powder, and smoked paprika, stirring for another minute to release their aromas.
- Add Rice and Lentils: Stir in the rice and lentils, coating them evenly with the spices and aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice and lentils are tender.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot, stirring to incorporate it with the rice and lentils. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is soft and vibrant green.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm. Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, fresh parsley, and chili flakes if desired for an added flavor boost.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or frozen peas according to your preference.
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a poached egg.
- This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes for up to a month, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Adjust spices to your liking by adding curry powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Using brown rice increases fiber content, while basmati rice adds a fragrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegetarian, Fusion
Keywords: one pot meal, lentils recipe, rice recipe, spinach recipe, healthy dinner, vegetarian, weight loss meal, easy recipe, meal prep
