Slow Cooker Egyptian Lentils and Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
