Call me crazy but there is something so comforting about lentils and rice!
I’ve been on a coconut craze for quite some time now (have you noticed how many recipes on the Blog have coconut in them?) and so I had to just add some into this delicious, hearty, lentil and rice bowl. It adds a touch of sweetness and such an interesting depth of flavour.
If you REALLY love that creamy, coconut flavour then opt for canned coconut milk! Yum!
This recipe has been in my archives for a while now and was actually intended for my kids. I whipped it up last summer in Italy as I prepped recipes for my (recently published) cookbook!
Although I love lentils and rice, I didn’t realize how much I would have actually LOVED this dish…so much so that it has become MY new fave! (It’s a good thing I had made enough that day for all of us to enjoy because I had set quite a bit aside for MY lunch!) 😉
Here’s my little man patiently waiting for his lunch!
Ingredients
(Yields about 3 cups)
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup carrots, finely diced
3/4 cup brown rice
3/4 cup dried green lentils
5 cups vegetable broth (or 4 cups + 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk)
1 tsp. curry powder
2 tbsp. sweetened coconut flakes
salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in a large saucepan on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Add onion, celery and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until translucent.
Add the lentils and rice and sauté for 2 minutes then add the broth (or milk) and spices.
Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are fork tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Serve warm garnished with an extra sprinkle of coconut flakes.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
*TIP: If serving from the freezer, defrost and reheat with some broth or milk to rehydrate the rice and lentils.
This was a hit for us this week, esp my picky 2yo. Thanks! (I added a little garlic and ginger, and skipped the coconut topping.)
Great!! My kids love this too…I think it’s the coconut that does the trick, lol! I love the addition of ginger! I can’t digest garlic so I usually add it for flavour (whole) then remove it before serving.
I love this recipe! Actually I love all your recipes! They are so easy to cook, tasty, and both my 1 year old and picky husband like them. You have saved me from recipe boredom that comes from cooking for and with a baby. I am spreading the news about your blog! Thank you!
That’s so great to hear!! Although I love what I do, it’s so flattering and encouraging to get feedback. I’m so happy your family loves the recipes and that I’ve “saved” you from recipe boredom…that’s my whole intention with this Blog! Thanks again and thanks for spreading the news 😉
I love coconut too. This is such a good idea. I’m not usually a fan of lentils, but I know they are good for me. I think I just think of them as slop that we used to have in bland soup as kids. ha ha! This looks amazing though, so I’ll have to crack out the bags of lentils I have in my cupboard and try this. Freezing is a good idea for when you can’t be bothered cooking!
Believe it or not I actually didn’t eat lentils as a child…my mom never made them! I think they’re so versatile and have now become my go-to for meals because I try to avoid red meat! I also think they freeze quite well…just add a little bit more coconut milk or broth when reheating!
Your little boy is too adorable. 🙂 I LOVE lentils and rice. I also love lentil soup…when I was sick, that’s what I ate and the only thing that didn’t make me upset. I have never tried coconut with lentils, and if it was anyone else but you suggesting it, I wouldn’t at all consider it. However, since you are like the best cook I know, I’m gonna suggest this recipe to our housekeeper and see if she’d be willing to give it a try. 🙂
Thanks Tami! It’s funny to think that we both LOVE…lentils?! Usually, people say pizza, or pasta…lol! I actually ONLY make lentils with coconut now. I just love the combination! Let me know what you think!
That’s fun when you find a dish you think you’ll like, and you end up loving it. 🙂
That happens often…my kids are my inspiration but then I end up loving everything I make them too 😉
thanks for sharing this my friend, it looks great. I will be adding this to my list of things to try
Thanks! You’re going to love it 😉