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This perfectly seasoned lentil fried rice is studded with a rainbow of fresh veggies, and makes a perfect protein rich dinner, or lunch the next day. It’s become one of our favorites for winter weeknight meals, as it’s easy, nourishing, comforting and colorful all at once. Change up the veggies used based on what you have on hand, just try to use as much color as possible. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, parsley or cilantro are nice additions as well, and add nutrition, color and flavor. Top with toasted nuts or seeds if you like, sesame, almonds, peanuts or cashews are all delicious crunchy additions. Enjoy!
Rainbow Veggie Lentil Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of rice (any variety will do, but long grain varieties are nice)
- 1 cup of brown or green lentils (just not orange/red ones)
- 1 onion, or large shallot, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup of carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of sweet potato, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup of red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of fresh herbs of choice; cilantro, basil, parsley, mint (optional)
- 1/4 cup of toasted nuts or seeds of choice; chopped cashews, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, etc (optional)
- 2-3 Tablespoons of sesame oil
- 2 Tablespoons of soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon of agave, sugar or sweetener of choice
- black pepper or cayenne pepper to taste
- 3 1/2-4 cups of water, or more as needed
Instructions
- Begin by cooking your rice and lentils in the same pot. Just stir them together and add water, cover, bring to a boil, and lower to a simmer. Let cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until lentils are rice are both cooked through and water has been absorbed completely.
- While rice is cooking, slice and chop all veggies and set aside. When rice is almost done, begin cooking veggies in the largest pan you have, a wok is perfect, if you have one.
- Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil over medium-high heat and add onion, garlic and ginger. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until onion begins to soften and garlic is fragrant (stir frequently so garlic doesn't burn). Add carrots, mushrooms, and sweet potato. Stir fry for an additional 4-5 minutes until sweet potato begins to soften.
- Add 1/2 Tbsp of sweetener, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce (or substitute) and stir to combine. Add kale and cabbage and let simmer over medium heat until kale and cabbage have wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer veggies to a large bowl and season to taste.
- When rice/lentils are done, use the same pan/wok and heat 1 Tbsp sesame oil over medium high heat. Add rice/lentils and stir fry with 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sweetener, pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring and stir frying until rice and lentils begin to dry out a bit, if they get a little crispy, even better.
- Add veggies back into pan with rice and lentils and toss well, add fresh herbs if using, and top with nuts/seeds before serving if desired. Season to taste as needed. Enjoy!
Notes
- Change up the veggies used based on what you have on hand, just try to use as much color as possible.
- Fresh herbs like basil, mint, parsley or cilantro are nice additions as well, and add nutrition, color and flavor.
- Top with toasted nuts or seeds if you like, sesame, almonds, peanuts or cashews are all delicious crunchy additions.Â
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
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