Hi, friends!
Who else is loving the beginning of fall here in beautiful Georgia? The mornings are finally getting chilly, the leaves are starting to change, and everything feels a little cozier! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a crisp fall morning with a warm cup of coffee and knowing that comfort food and cozy evenings are just around the corner.
With the cooler weather arriving, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a simple, comforting meal: hearty lentils and rice! This budget-friendly, nourishing dish is full of flavor and perfect for a chilly autumn day.
Ingredients
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups vegetable broth or water, plus more if needed
1 bay leaf (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds.
Cook the lentils. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth or water, and bay leaf, if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes.
Add the rice. Stir in the rinsed rice, salt, and black pepper. Cover and simmer gently for another 15–20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add a little extra hot water if needed.
Let it rest. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and fluff gently with a fork.
Serve and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
This recipe is naturally plant-based when made with vegetable broth, and the combination of lentils and rice provides fiber, protein, and satisfying carbohydrates.
As the Georgia leaves turn golden and the temperatures continue to drop, may this simple recipe bring a little extra warmth to your table. Happy fall, friends!
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