Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils (green or brown); 1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati); 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 onion (chopped); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Nutritious Creations

I absolutely love transforming simple ingredients into a comforting dish, and this Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice is a perfect example. The rich, creamy texture combined with the earthy lentils and the robust garlic flavor creates a meal that warms the soul. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty side. I can’t wait for you to experience how the flavors meld together, creating a delightful taste that's both simple and indulgent.

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-18T04:10:12.746Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice, I was searching for a quick yet wholesome dish that would satisfy my cravings. The unique combination of lentils and rice creates a delightful chewiness, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor that really elevates the dish. The creaminess comes from the added coconut milk, which brings everything together beautifully.

The key tip I discovered was to sauté the garlic until it’s golden before adding the lentils and rice. This really enhances the overall flavor, giving it depth that's hard to resist. Trust me, this simple step makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor that stands out
Creamy texture that comforts
Quick and easy to prepare

The Role of Lentils and Rice

In this dish, lentils and rice are the stars, both offering unique textures and nutritional benefits. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making them a hearty addition. When cooked, they provide a creamy consistency that complements the rice perfectly. Jasmine or basmati rice adds a fragrant touch, enhancing the overall aroma of the dish. The combination not only satisfies hunger but also keeps you feeling full longer, thanks to the balanced nutrients.

When choosing lentils, it's best to stick with green or brown varieties, as they hold their shape better than red lentils, which tend to become mushy. This results in a satisfying bite with each spoonful, while still contributing to the creamy texture from the coconut milk. Remember, rinsing the lentils beforehand is key to removing any impurities and improving their flavor.

Cooking Technique Insights

The sautéing step is crucial for building flavor. When you sauté onions and garlic until the onions are just translucent, you unlock their natural sweetness, which adds depth to the dish. Keep an eye on the garlic, as it can easily burn; you want it fragrant but not browned. This initial step sets the stage for the richness of the coconut milk and the earthiness of the lentils in the final dish.

Simmering the lentils and rice together might raise questions about cooking times. A low simmer (around 180°F) allows the rice to absorb moisture steadily while softening the lentils. Stir occasionally, but not too vigorously, to prevent the rice from breaking apart. If the liquid absorbs too quickly and the rice isn’t fully done, just add a splash more broth and continue simmering until cooked.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice:

Main Ingredients

1 cup lentils (green or brown)
1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Cook the Lentils and Rice

Add the lentils and rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping your dish with roasted vegetables or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storing

This Creamy Garlic Lentil Rice stores beautifully. Once it's cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and it can be refrigerated for up to four days. Reheating is simple; just add a splash of vegetable broth or water in a pot over low heat, stirring gently to bring it back to a creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, adding moisture as needed.

If you want to prepare it in advance, consider cooking the lentils and rice separately and mixing them in the desired portions just before serving. This keeps the rice fluffy and prevents it from becoming mushy during storage.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and can be served as a main or a side. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside grilled vegetables to add a vibrant touch. If you're feeling adventurous, a poached egg on top can elevate it to a wonderful brunch dish, adding protein and a luscious yolk that enriches the creamy texture further.

For added flavor, consider a sprinkle of chili flakes or freshly squeezed lime juice just before serving. It not only enhances the dish aesthetically but also brightens the flavors, making each bite delightful and refreshing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice usually requires longer cooking time.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan because it uses coconut milk. Just ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Absolutely! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add more spices for flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or paprika to enhance the flavor.