Description
Herbed Lentil Rice with Roasted Veggies is a hearty, flavor-packed one-bowl meal made with tender lentils, fluffy rice, fresh herbs, lemon, and oven-roasted vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and anyone craving a wholesome plant-based comfort food.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil (divided, plus more for roasting)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice, rinsed and drained
3 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
3 cups assorted vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli), chopped
Instructions
Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Simmer lentils: Add lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 20 minutes.
Add rice + spices: Stir in rice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low 25–30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Roast veggies: While rice cooks, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes, until tender and lightly charred.
Finish: Remove bay leaf. Stir lemon juice, parsley, dill, and optional thyme into lentil rice. Rest covered 5 minutes. Gently fold in roasted vegetables and serve.
Notes
Rice choice: Brown rice may need a bit longer and a splash more broth.
Veggie swap: Use any roast-friendly veggies you have (cauliflower, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts).
Meal prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day. Add a squeeze of lemon after reheating for a fresh pop.
Serving idea: Top with tahini, Greek yogurt, feta, or toasted nuts for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 484 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 354 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg