This lentil rice might look humble, but it’s packed with plant protein, full of flavour and the kind of dish you’ll crave all week long.
They said no one returned from Mount Azrah. But Rafi had a map. A real one, handed to him in a creased envelope from a solicitor who claimed to represent a long-lost cousin he’d never met. The cousin, apparently, had spent his life wandering the world, collecting… treasures.
So here he was, somewhere deep in the shifting sands and jagged cliffs of a not-quite-place on the edge of an Eastern border, hiking toward a peak that disappeared into the clouds. The journey had been absurd—three days navigating a canyon full of bats, one wild dash past an encampment of gold-toothed mercenaries, and a full-blown argument with a goat that almost pushed him off a ledge.
By day seven, he found the weathered stone cottage marked on the map. Inside, a gentle old woman served lentil rice so good, it made him forget everything else. When he finally stood to leave, he pressed a few worn shekels into the woman’s palm. Outside, he took out a small notebook, flipped to a page filled with scribbled names and stars, and wrote:
"Azrah Ridge, near summit. 5/5. Lentil rice divine. May the old man’s maps never stop showing up in my mailbox. Next: El Palmar del Norte."
And with that, Rafi tucked the map into his coat, tightened his boots, and started the long descent, already wondering what dish would be waiting on the next X
Ingredients for Arabic Lentil Rice
- Long Grain Rice
- Black Lentils
- Cumin
- Red Onions
- Walnuts
- Mushrooms
- Black Olives
- Lemon
- Herbs
- Cumin
- Red Peppers
- Garlic
What kind of lentils/rice work best for Arabic lentil rice?
For this lentil rice, brown or green lentils work best. I often use black beluga lentils, as they hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy during cooking. Red lentils cook too quickly and tend to break down, therefore impacting the texture of the dish. As for rice, long-grain varieties like basmati are ideal. They stay fluffy, separate easily, and soak up all the flavor without getting sticky. Just make sure to rinse your rice well before cooking to remove excess starch!
What makes this lentil rice so protein-rich?
What makes this dish so protein-dense is the combination of hearty lentils and crunchy walnuts—both excellent plant-based protein sources. Additionally, lentils are packed with fiber, iron, and B vitamins, while walnuts add healthy fats and important minerals like magnesium. If you’re looking to boost the protein even more, you can also swap white rice for brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice tends to be a bit drier, so pairing the dish with a fresh salad or a tangy dressing can help balance it out nicely.
Is this dish gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free and traditionally vegan, making it a great option for a wide range of dietary needs. It’s made from simple whole foods like lentils, rice, and onions. No flour, no dairy, no animal products. It’s also highly adaptable: you can toss in fresh herbs, chopped tomatoes, or a squeeze of lemon to make it your own. As it’s allergy-friendly, hearty, and nourishing, it’s a comfort food that works for just about everyone.
I don’t like cumin, can I use an alternative?
Cumin is the main (and almost the only) spice in this dish, and it really gives the rice its distinctive and memorable flavour. But if cumin is not for you, there are a few alternatives worth trying. Ground coriander is the closest option. It is also made from seeds and has a similar intensity, so you can use it in about the same amount. Another option is ground clove, though you should start with just a pinch because it has a very strong taste and will make the dish quite unique. And of course, if you simply want a protein-rich, no-fuss meal, you can also leave the spices out entirely. Your kitchen, your rules after all!
Is Arabic lentil rice good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Arabic lentil rice is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for several days, and in fact, the flavors even deepen over time. Additionally, you can reheat it easily and serve it with different sides like salad, hummus, or roasted veggies to keep things interesting throughout the week. It’s a filling, protein-packed dish that makes for perfect weekday meals. If you want to play it safe you can also keep the finished ingredients separate and always make a batch of fresh rice to mix it up so it doesn’t get stale.
High-Protein Arabic Rice with Lentils – An Easy Vegan Staple
Ingredients
- 350g/ 2 cups Rice
- 200g/ 1 cup Black Lentils
- 4 Red Onions sliced
- 2 Red Peppers sliced
- 100g/ 1 cup Walnuts
- 6-8 cloves Garlic chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 100g/ ½ cup Black Olives
- 2 tsp Cumin ground
- 1 handful Cilantro or Parsley chopped
- ½ Lemon squeezed
Optional
- Mushrooms
- Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions
- Start by rinsing both the rice and lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring two pots of salted water to a boil—one for the rice and one for the lentils. Cook them separately until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Slice the onions and red peppers into thin strips. If using mushrooms, slice them as well. Coarsely break apart the walnuts and chop the garlic. In a large pan, heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and walnuts to the hot oil and briefly let them sizzle for about a minute. Then add the sliced onions, peppers, and mushrooms (if using), and stir everything together well. Season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture cook down and caramelize slowly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the onions start to brown and stick together slightly, sprinkle in the cumin and add the black olives. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 2 minutes to bring out the flavors.
- Turn off the stove and add the cooked lentils, rice, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes (if using) to the pan. Gently stir everything together with a large spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash the rice. Once the spices and vegetables are well mixed in, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil, and adjust the salt to taste. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you, I’m super curious! You can leave a comment below and tag @lordsoftheplants on Instagram and hashtag it #lordsoftheplants for me to see 🙂 And if you enjoyed making this arabic lentil rice, make sure to check out this delicious Rich White Bean Salad next.
