We’re trying to up our energy levels, and decided on a simple dish of Lentils and Brown Rice. Lentils are quite high in iron, and we seem to feel more energetic after eating them!! With surprisingly few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious side or main dish. I used French lentils (Le Puy lentils) that are a little darker and smaller than the ones in the grocery stores. Either are fine. Also, I used an electric pressure cooker, but have included the oven method.
This is a great one pot meal or side dish. If you want to add protein, try smoked sausage or shrimp.
Lentils and Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil or bacon grease
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 1/2cups chicken broth
- 1-2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional)
- 3⁄4 cup lentils
- 1⁄2 cup brown rice
- 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Place electric pressure cooker (like Instant Pot®️) on sauté. Add oil and onions.
- When onions are nearly translucent, stir in garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, until garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients, except the cheese.
- Close and lock lid, and set pressure on high. Set timer for 12 minutes. When done let sit 10 minutes, then release pressure.
- If you’re using cheese, stir in now.
- Get a bowl and a spoon, and enjoy!
- Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
- If you don’t want to sauté the onions and garlic first, just combine everything but the cheese in a baking dish. Otherwise use a Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic, then add the other ingredients (except the cheese).
- Cover and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Remove lid, add the cheese, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Other additions: smoked sausage, shrimp, or chicken.
Pressure Cook
Oven