Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf Recipe

If you want to make a delicious recipe that can be easily made with the things available in your regular pantry, then this Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf recipe will be the best choice for you. Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf is a delicious recipe that is very easy to make.

This Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf is a perfect option for lunch or dinner as it is made by mixing lentils, brown rice, and spices. This is a vegetarian recipe that you can eat with salad or alone. This is a healthy and rice-based recipe that gets prepared in very little time.

Looking for a healthy, budget-friendly, and easy one-pot recipe that fills you up and tastes great? This Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf is just what you need. It’s made with pantry staples, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Here Also Try This Hearty Slow Cooker Lentil Stew with Vegetables

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Why You’ll Love This Pilaf

• Simple ingredients – All you need is rice, lentils, and a few common spices.
• One-pot meal – Easy to cook and clean up, no mess.
• Plant-based protein – A filling dish without meat.
• Meal prep friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Affordable – Perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

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What Is Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf?

A pilaf is a rice-based dish where the rice is first sautéed, then simmered in broth with herbs and spices. It’s more flavorful than plain boiled rice.

In this recipe, we mix brown rice and lentils to make a hearty, protein-rich dish. Both cook at nearly the same time, making them perfect partners in a one-pot recipe.

Mujadara, a Middle Eastern recipe of lentils, rice, and onions, sometimes inspires this dish. But here, we keep it simple and versatile for everyday cooking.-Mujadara, a Middle Eastern recipe of lentils

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice – Rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
• ¾ cup green or brown lentils – Rinsed and soaked separately
• 1 medium onion – Chopped
• 3 garlic cloves – Minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – For sautéing
• 3 cups vegetable broth – For added flavor
• Salt and pepper – To taste

You Can Get Your Kitchen Smelling Amazing with Moroccan Lentil Soup

Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor):

• 1 teaspoon cumin or turmeric – Adds warmth
• 1 bay leaf or cinnamon stick – Aromatic depth
• Chopped carrots or bell peppers – More color and texture
• Fresh parsley or cilantro – For garnish
• Toasted nuts or lemon juice – For extra crunch or brightness

Tip: You can use chicken broth if you’re not vegan.

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How to Make Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf (Step-by-Step)

Let’s break it down so anyone can make it:

Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Rice & Lentils

• Soak brown rice and lentils in separate bowls of water for 20–30 minutes.
• Rinse them well before cooking.-Soaking lentils helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility by Cook’s Country

Why soak? It helps reduce cook time and keeps the pilaf from becoming mushy.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
• Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

This step builds the base flavor for your pilaf.

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Step 3: Add Spices and Toast Gently

• Add your chosen spices (like cumin or turmeric).
• Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Toasting spices helps release their oils and deepens the taste.

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Step 4: Add Rice, Lentils, and Broth

• Add soaked rice and lentils to the pot.
• Pour in 3 cups of broth.
• Stir everything together.
• Add a bay leaf or other whole spices if using.

Also, Try This Hearty Yellow Lentil Stew for Meal Prep

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Step 5: Simmer Covered Until Tender

• Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 35–40 minutes.
• Do not open the lid while cooking.

The rice and lentils should absorb all the liquid and be tender but not mushy.

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Step 6: Let It Rest and Fluff

• Turn off the heat.
• Let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Remove the lid, fluff with a fork.
• Discard the bay leaf or cinnamon stick.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Add a splash of lemon juice, fresh herbs, or toasted almonds on top.
• Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf

Want fluffy, flavorful pilaf every time? Try these tips:

• Soak your grains
  • Soaking makes rice and lentils cook more evenly and faster.
• Use the right liquid ratio
  • About 3 cups of broth for every 1¾ cups of rice + lentils.
• Keep the lid on
  • Don’t lift the lid while simmering. It traps steam needed to cook everything properly.
• Rest after cooking
  • Let the pot sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing. This finishes the cooking and prevents soggy grains.
• Add finishing touches
  • A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds brightness at the end.

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Serving Suggestions

This pilaf is filling enough for a main dish, but flexible as a side too.

Serve it with:

• Grilled vegetables or tofu – Makes it a complete vegan meal.
• Roasted chicken or fish – If you eat meat, it’s a great match.
• Simple salad – Fresh greens help balance the hearty grains.
• Inside wraps or bowls – Use it as a base for lunch bowls or stuffed pitas.
• Topped with yogurt or tahini sauce – Adds creaminess.

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Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe is great for planning.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water and heat on the stove or microwave.
• Meal prep: Divide into containers with veggies or protein for ready-to-go meals.

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Variations and Substitutions

Customize it to your taste or pantry:

• Use canned lentils
  • Add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• Try red lentils
  • Softer and cooks faster. Ideal if you want a creamier texture.
• Swap brown rice with quinoa or bulgur
  • Adjust cooking time and liquid if changing grains.
• Make it spicy
  • Add red pepper flakes, harissa, or cayenne for heat.
• Add veggies
  • Carrots, peas, spinach, or mushrooms can be mixed in for color and nutrition.

Also, Don’t Miss This Plant-Based Crockpot Lentil Recipe

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Nutrition and Health Benefits

This recipe is both delicious and good for you.

• High in fiber – Supports digestion and keeps you full longer.
• Rich in plant-based protein – A great meatless main dish.
• Low in fat – Heart-healthy and balanced.- Mayo Clinic
• Complex carbs – Provide energy without blood sugar spikes.
• Iron and B vitamins – Important for energy and metabolism.

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, whole grains like brown rice may reduce the risk of heart disease and help manage weight.

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Final Thoughts on This Easy Pilaf

This Lentil & Brown Rice Pilaf is more than just a side dish. It’s a nutritious, hearty, and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days, clean eating, and cozy dinners.

If you’re meal prepping, trying to eat more plant-based, or want something comforting, this dish fits the bill.