This Lentil Rice Cooker Recipe is a simple, wholesome, and budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their meals. Made entirely in a rice cooker, this recipe delivers tender lentils, fluffy rice, and warm savory spices with almost no hands-on work required. Whether you're new to cooking lentils or already love one-pot meals, this recipe is a comforting favorite that’s easy enough for beginners and satisfying enough for seasoned home cooks.
Using a rice cooker ensures consistent results every time—no monitoring, stirring, or guesswork. Just toss everything in, press start, and enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal that tastes like it came off the stovetop. Add veggies, adjust the spices, or mix in fresh herbs to make it your own!
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: About 4 cups cooked
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- ½ cup long-grain white rice (basmati works great)
- 3 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, adds richness)
- Optional additions:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps prevent excess starch and ensures even cooking.
- Add the rinsed lentils and rice to the rice cooker, followed by the water or broth.
- Season the mixture by adding salt, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and olive oil or butter (if using). Stir gently to combine.
- Optional: For added flavor and nutrition, mix in diced onion, carrots, or frozen peas.
- Close the rice cooker lid and set to a standard White Rice or Cook setting. Allow the cooker to complete its full cycle.
- Once the cycle ends, let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before opening. This helps the lentils finish steaming and prevents excess moisture.
- Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- If using brown rice, increase water to 4 cups and cook on a “Brown Rice” setting.
- Red lentils can be used, but they will result in a softer, creamier texture rather than firm lentils.
- For meal prep, store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Broth adds extra flavor—use it whenever possible!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 14g
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Potassium: 600mg
Values may vary based on ingredients used.
Pro Tip:
If you’ve never made lentils in a rice cooker before, get ready to fall in love with the simplicity. A quality rice cookercomes takes all the guesswork out of cooking—no boiling over, no stirring, no uneven textures. It creates perfectly tender lentils and fluffy rice every single time, making this recipe almost effortless. If you don’t already own a rice cooker (or if yours is ready for an upgrade), investing in a modern model with multiple cooking settings can completely elevate your kitchen routine. With just one button, you can make dishes like this Lentil Rice Cooker Recipe flawlessly and more often. Thinking about getting one? Tap the button below to explore top-rated Rice Cookers on Amazon and find the perfect fit for your home.
Conclusion
This Lentil Rice Cooker Recipe is the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and nutrition. With minimal effort, you get a hearty one-pot meal that works as a main dish, side dish, or meal-prep staple. It’s flexible enough to customize, gentle on the budget, and beloved by anyone who appreciates simple, nourishing home cooking.
Whether you're cooking for your family, prepping for the week, or just craving something wholesome and satisfying, this lentil-and-rice combination is sure to become a regular in your weekly rotation. Enjoy every bite!
