An easy, traditional Greek vegetarian recipe. Rice cooked with vegetables and beans, Flavorful, filling and good for you.
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT55M
Total time: PT65M
Rating
5 stars (10 reviews)
Keywords
Lentils, Rice
Ingredients
1/2 cup small lentils, dry, uncooked
1 bay leaf
Rosemary (small branch)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onions chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1 carrot diced
1/2 cup rice (uncooked-I used medium grain), uncooked
1 tomatoes diced
freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoons salt
parsley or other herbs of your choice
Categories
lunch
Side Dish
Cuisine
Greek
Mediterranean
Steps
Rinse the dry lentils, put in a pot with water and bring to a boil. Drain the lentils, put them back in the pot with about ¾ cups cold fresh water, along with the bay leaf and rosemary. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until soft (not mushy). Drain the lentils and set aside.
In a large deep pan (or pot) heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the carrot and sauté 2-3 minutes more and then add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Add the rice and sauté for another 2 minutes until rice is covered in the olive oil. Then add the lentils, salt and pepper and blend well.
Add the tomato and about 1 cups water and simmer for about 15 minutes, covered until rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Add more hot water as needed.
Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Sprinkle some chopped parsley. You may serve with feta cheese.
Reviews
EK on 2025-12-23 (5 stars): I didn't have any fresh tomato or parsley, and neither seemed necessary. The onion, carrot, and garlic flavors nicely complemented the lentils. This is the perfect example of a simple, satisfying, easy to cook, economical, complete protein food.
The fakorizo is also a great choice for a potluck lunch or dinner because it can be made ahead and served at any temperature, as well as being extremely allergy friendly. If omitting the tomato, it is also nightshade-free.
Lambis on 2024-07-30 (5 stars): I made it and it was delicious.
Erica on 2024-05-05 (5 stars): I made this following the recipe exactly and it came out very tasty with all ingredients in perfect balance. I have tried many of Ms. Paravantes’ recipes and there has not been a single time that I did not love the outcome. I have incorporated all these recipes into my regular rotation. Her recipes use basic, wholesome ingredients and are easy to follow but do not be deceived by the simplicity; the results are incredibly tasty. This is due to the culinary skill and talent of the author and her true understanding of Mediterranean cooking. I highly recommended following the recipes and enjoy to surprise yourself with how good they turn out. Thank you for another fantastic healthy recipe!
Kathy Richards on 2022-05-27 (5 stars): Soooooo delicious! Love this. It will go into my regular file.
Rasa on 2022-01-17 (5 stars): I did not expect such simple ingredients to create such a yummy dish!
R on 2021-12-15 (5 stars): One of my favorites! I make this regularly. Healthy, delicious, and feeds me for days. :)
Mary Wood on 2021-09-18 (5 stars): Hi Elena,,
I love red lentils and was wondering whether these are an acceptable substitute in this recipe? Thanks
Erica M on 2021-03-31 (5 stars): Simple and delicious! The house smelled amazing and was able to keep the traditions of lent alive for my husband who is from Crete. Will definitely make again, perhaps with cauliflower rice! Thanks for the new menu addition!
Magda on 2021-02-19 (5 stars): I'm so glad I found your site. I've been working my way through your lathero + rizo dishes. This is the third one I've made. They've all been delicious and even my husband, who declared when we met that he does not like nor eat vegetables, has been readily eating them!
Is there a nutritional reason to boil the lentils twice? Does this replace the need for soaking?
Thank you very much!
Amber D Lafferty on 2021-01-15 (5 stars): I just made this and I love it! It made the whole house smell so fragrant . I love lentils and this is a very healthy way to eat them. Thank you!