Hearty lentils and fragrant basmati rice — a delicious, healthy, and endlessly customizable bowl!

This easy, wholesome lentils and rice bowl is a comforting, nutritious lunch or dinner that’s quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable. A pantry-friendly meal, this is a staple dish you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It’s budget-friendly, highly versatile for variety, packed with nutrition and a breeze to prepare.

What You’ll Need:

Lentils: Brown or green lentils will work

Rice: I used brown basmati rice, but you can use your favorite

Dried Herbs and Seasonings: Bay leaf, garlic powder, mild yellow curry powder

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil that is well-balanced with a mix of fruitiness and hints of pepper

Additional Bowl Ingredients: Build out your bowl with your choice of additional ingredients (or keep it simple!). Here I’ve plated the lentils and rice on a bed of fresh arugula and topped with sliced fresh tomatoes and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

How to Make This Recipe

This is one of those “loose” recipes — meaning, some measurements are provided but other measurements aren’t; ultimately, it’s all about adjusting to your taste. The pasta method has worked best for me when cooking brown rice, so that is the instruction in the recipe. The lentils and rice cook in about the same amount of time. While they’re cooking, prep any additional items for your bowl. Then it’s just about assembling and eating!

Make It Your Own

This bowl is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Crunch: Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy chickpeas.
• Go Fresh: Fresh greens, tomatoes, chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions.
• Brighten It Up: A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Boost the Protein: A fried or poached egg, tofu, or tempeh.

This simple lentils and rice bowl is a nourishing, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare for a quick weeknight meal. And leftovers (if you have any) make for a delicious lunch!

The post Lentils and Rice Bowl appeared first on Eye On Flavor.