📖 Instructions

1. First, rinse the lentils under cold water. This helps remove any debris and ensures they cook evenly. Set aside.
2. Next, prepare your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrot, and bell pepper into small, roughly uniform pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Don't be afraid to get creative with your vegetable choices though!
3. Now, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the carrot and bell pepper, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. Watch carefully, so you don't burn anything.
4. Add the rinsed lentils to the saucepan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine. Pour in two cups of vegetable broth (or water if you prefer). Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You'll know it's done when the lentils are easily mashed with a fork, like a dream!
6. While the lentils simmer, cook your brown rice according to the package directions. If using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, bring 1 and 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, add 1 cup of brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender but not mushy. If it helps, think of it like a rice-based risotto! My grandma always says this.
7. Once both the lentils and rice are cooked, drain any excess liquid from the lentils using a colander. If you are feeling ambitious, you can also fluff the cooked brown rice with a fork to make it lighter and less sticky before assembling the bowls.
8. Now for the exciting part—assembling the bowls! Divide the cooked brown rice equally among bowls. Top with the cooked lentils and vegetables. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or a drizzle of tahini for extra creaminess and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice!
9. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or chives. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Oh, I almost forgot! Don't forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste before you dig in to really make it your own!
10. Finally, enjoy your delicious and nourishing brown rice bowl! It's a complete meal that's packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner, or even a satisfying and delicious meal prep for a busy week. Trust me, this recipe is my go-to!