Rice and Lentils

Name: Rice and Lentils
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Carnaroli rice 1.6 cups; Vegetable broth 2.1 cups; Extra virgin olive oil 1 filo; Bay leaves 1 leaf; Sage 1 leaf; Rosemary 1 sprig; Lentils 1 cup; Carrots 1; Onions 1 clove; Celery 1 rib; Bay leaves 1 leaf; Water approximately 2.1 cups; Extra virgin olive oil 1 filo; Fine salt to taste; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese grated 1.4 oz

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Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Rice and lentils is such a comforting Italian dish. Seriously, it feels like home. Straight from the charming Italian countryside, it’s all about tradizione contadina—where folks really made the most of simple, honest ingredients. The combo of tender rice and earthy lentils? Really really cozy. Especially when the weather's chilly. Across Italy, this lentil and rice dish isn’t just satisfying; it’s packed with goodness and doesn't need fancy stuff. I mean, cooks often throw in rosemary, maybe a bay leaf, and finish it with a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Classic, moist texture, fresh flavor—amazing.

This meal is all about gathering everyone around the table and making the kitchen smell—oh, you'll love it—absolutely incredible. In different regions, cooks add their own twists: maybe a pinch of chili or a hint of garlic. But basics? Pretty much the same—easy lentil rice recipes stick to what works. The sweet nuttiness from the lentils blends with the rice's subtle flavor, making each bite super satisfying. And yeah, it’s healthy too.

People love it as a vegetarian pick because this one-pot lentil rice is naturally protein-packed. Keeps you full for hours, you know? It’s a meal that doesn't take much to whip up, yet it still gives you that real sense of Italian home cooking. When served hot, it’s golden and hearty—rustic yet kinda special. Whether you call it a healthy rice and lentils bowl or just comforting food, it turns a simple dinner into a big family thing.

And look, when people chat about Italian home meals, this dish always comes up. Plus, it’s versatile enough for all year round, making it a staple in many Italian homes. With its combo of flavors and heartwarming feel, it’s no wonder this dish remains a beloved tradition in Italian kitchens. For real, it’s a keeper.

INGREDIENTS

For the rice: Carnaroli rice 1.6 cups (320 g); Vegetable broth 2.1 cups (500 g); Extra virgin olive oil 1 filo; Bay leaves 1 leaf; Sage 1 leaf; Rosemary 1 sprig

For the lentils: Lentils 1 cup (200 g); Carrots 1; Onions 1 clove; Celery 1 rib; Bay leaves 1 leaf; Water 2.1 cups (500 g) - approximately; Extra virgin olive oil 1 filo; Fine salt to taste

For the creamy texture: Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1.4 oz (40 g) - grated

Preparation

How to prepare Rice and Lentils

To prepare the rice with lentils, first make the Vegetable broth and keep it warm, then proceed to prepare the lentils, which must be cooked separately before being added to the rice. First, peel and finely chop the onion 1. Remove the ends of the carrot and peel it 2, then coarsely chop it 3.

Next, prepare the celery, which should also be chopped with a knife 4. Pour a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil into a pot 5, add the onion 6.

Then add the celery 7, the carrot 8, and sauté them for a few minutes over low heat 9.

Next, add the lentils 10, pour in the water 11, and add the salt 12. The lentils do not need to be soaked but can be rinsed beforehand.

Add the bay leaf 13, mix everything well, and cook the lentils over low heat for about 30 minutes 14. Once the lentils are ready, you can start preparing the rice. Pour a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil into a pot and heat it 15.

At this point, add the rice 16 and toast it for a few moments, stirring with a wooden spoon 17. Then moisten it with a ladle of vegetable broth 18.

Continue cooking and add a little broth at a time, as needed 19. Halfway through cooking, add the lentils 20 and mix everything well 21.

Add more broth 22, keep stirring 23, and add a bundle of herbs tied with string; we used a sage leaf, a bay leaf, and a sprig of rosemary 34.

Continue cooking, always adding broth only when needed 25. Once cooking is complete, remove the aromatic herbs 26 and turn off the heat 27.

Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese 28 and stir to make it creamy 29. The rice with lentils is ready; just bring it to the table 30.

Storage

It is advisable to prepare rice and lentils and consume it immediately; alternatively, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day.

Tip

Rice and lentils can be enriched with crispy bacon or pancetta.

To make the rice creamy, you can also consider adding other cheeses, such as mountain cheeses, both aged and fresh and melty. You can add raw oil or a small piece of butter.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Rice and Lentils

PRESENTATION

INGREDIENTS

How to prepare Rice and Lentils

Storage

Tip

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