Creamy Tomato Lentil Rice

Name: Creamy Tomato Lentil Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils (red or green); 1 cup rice (white or brown); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Natural Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely love this Creamy Tomato Lentil Rice recipe! It's become a comforting go-to for those busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet healthy. The combination of creamy texture from the lentils and the rich tomato sauce creates an incredibly satisfying dish. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option. Whenever I make this recipe, I feel like I’m serving up a bowl of warmth and comfort that everyone enjoys.

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:53:39.572Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Tomato Lentil Rice recipe, I was amazed by how well the flavors complemented each other. The lentils not only add nutrition but also a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce. I play around with the spices to customize it to my liking, which is always fun!

My favorite tip is to let the dish simmer a bit longer after adding the rice to ensure everything is well combined and extra creamy. It’s one of those recipes that gets better with time, and leftovers are just as delicious. I often find myself making this on weekends, as it’s perfect for meal prep!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy lentils that add a comforting texture
Rich tomato flavor that’s both savory and satisfying
Nutritious and filling, perfect for a wholesome meal

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of lentils in this recipe is vital to achieving the desired creamy texture. Red lentils break down more quickly than green, providing a smoother consistency, while green lentils maintain their shape, offering a hearty bite. Feel free to mix both types for a varied texture, but if you do, keep an eye on the cooking times as they differ. Using fresh, quality ingredients will enhance the dish’s overall flavor, pulling everything together beautifully.

The combination of diced tomatoes with their juice is crucial for creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Opting for high-quality canned tomatoes can greatly improve the dish’s taste. If you prefer a fresh approach, substituting with fresh chopped tomatoes in the summer months can provide a bright and vibrant contrast. Be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to break down and meld into the sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onion and garlic until they are translucent is an essential step as it builds a foundation of flavor. Aim for about five minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent browning. This step not only infuses the olive oil, but it also mellows out the pungent raw flavors, leading to a well-rounded dish. Remember, if you find your onion browning too quickly, reduce the heat to avoid bitterness.

When incorporating the lentils and tomatoes, make sure to stir well and let everything cook for about five minutes before adding the broth. This brief cooking helps the spices release their oils, enhancing the overall flavor. Keep an eye on the heat during this time; if anything starts to stick to the pot, lower the temperature to avoid burning either the lentils or the bottom of the pot.

Serving and Storing

This Creamy Tomato Lentil Rice is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal. For a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top before serving. If you're looking for a protein boost, shredded rotisserie chicken can also complement the flavors nicely while still keeping the preparation quick and easy.

If you happen to have leftovers, this dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions – it freezes well for up to three months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture upon reheating.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup lentils (red or green)
1 cup rice (white or brown)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Gather all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare Lentils and Rice

Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook Lentils

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed rice, stir, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are tender.

Final Touches

Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your Creamy Tomato Lentil Rice warm!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add some chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

For a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute the rice with quinoa or even cauliflower rice, which will also keep the dish lighter. Just be aware that quinoa cooks more quickly, so adjust your cooking times accordingly. Cauliflower rice can be added towards the end of the cooking process, but make sure to decrease the broth somewhat to avoid excess moisture.

Adding vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can enhance the nutritional profile and add color to your dish. They can be added along with the lentils to cook down, bringing an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer spiciness, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauté stage for an added kick.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your lentils or rice are undercooked after the suggested simmering time, don't panic! Simply add a bit more broth or water, cover, and allow it to simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes. Different brands and types of lentils can vary in cooking times, so it’s always good to taste-test before serving.

In case the dish turns out too thick, adjusting the consistency is easy. Stir in more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired creamy texture. Conversely, if it’s too soupy, try cooking it uncovered for a few more minutes while stirring frequently to help it thicken up.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of lentils?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Red lentils cook faster than green or brown lentils.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the rice?

Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great alternatives if you're looking for different flavors or lower carbs.

→ How can I spice it up?

Feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat!