Slow Cooker Egyptian Lentils and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Egyptian Lentils and Rice is a comforting, hearty dish full of warm spices and wholesome ingredients. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils (use red lentils if you want it to cook quicker)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/4 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup jasmine rice (or brown or white rice)
• 6 cups vegetable stock (or water or chicken stock)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the olive oil into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Add all the remaining ingredients, including the stock, on top of the olive oil.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Step 4: Stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks. If it seems dry, add a little water; if it’s too soupy, remove the lid for a while or switch to the high setting to reduce the liquid.
5. Step 5: If you use red lentils, check the cooking time sooner as they typically cook in about 2 hours.
6. Step 6: When ready, serve garnished with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or chopped red onions for added freshness and crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the onions in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a small chopped chili for a smoky or spicy twist.
• You can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock or water depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, but increase cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if the mixture has thickened. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green lentils?

Yes, red lentils can be used and will cook faster, usually in about 2 hours. Keep an eye on the cooking to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While a slow cooker makes preparation easy and hands-off, you can also cook this dish on the stovetop in a pot. Just simmer gently until the lentils and rice are tender, adjusting liquid as needed.

Slow Cooker Egyptian Lentils and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

This Slow Cooker Egyptian Lentils and Rice recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender lentils and fragrant jasmine rice cooked slowly with aromatic spices. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. You can customize the lentils and rice types and serve it with fresh herbs for added freshness and texture.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Egyptian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils (or red lentils for quicker cooking)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/4 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup jasmine rice (or brown or white rice)
• 6 cups vegetable stock (or water or chicken stock)

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Pour the olive oil into the bottom of the slow cooker to help prevent sticking and to provide a base for the flavors.
2. Add ingredients: Add the chopped onion, lentils, rice, salt, cinnamon, ground cumin, pepper, and the vegetable stock to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat to cook for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to develop fully and the lentils and rice to soften perfectly.
4. Monitor and adjust the texture: Occasionally stir the mixture during cooking. If it becomes too dry, add a little water. If it turns too soupy, remove the lid for some time or switch to the high heat setting to help evaporate excess liquid.
5. Adjust timing for red lentils: If using red lentils, monitor cooking carefully as they usually become tender in about 2 hours and can overcook if left too long.
6. Serve: Spoon the lentils and rice onto plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or chopped red onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Notes

• Using red lentils speeds up the cooking time but requires careful monitoring to prevent overcooking.
• Vegetable stock enhances the flavor, but water or chicken stock can also be used depending on dietary preference.
• You can switch the rice type to brown or white rice, but cooking times may vary slightly.
• Stirring occasionally helps maintain even cooking and prevents sticking to the slow cooker.
• Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Keywords: slow cooker lentils and rice, Egyptian lentils recipe, vegetarian slow cooker meal, easy lentils and rice, slow cooked dinner