Lentil and Chickpea Rice Bowl

Lentil and Chickpea Rice Bowl is a easy Middle Eastern-inspired recipe that serves 3. 420 calories per serving.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $6.34 total, $2.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup Brown rice (Short or long grain; rinse well)
  • 0.25 cup Brown lentils (Soaked overnight in 1-2 cups water)
  • 0.75 cup Water (For cooking rice and lentils)
  • 400 ml can Canned chickpeas (Rinsed and drained)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Avocado oil (Or other neutral oil)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Divided; plus more to taste)
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1 medium Red onion (Diced; about 100g)
  • 0.5 medium Cucumber (Diced; about 100g)
  • 1 medium Tomato (Diced; about 100g)
  • 30 grams Fresh parsley (Roughly chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons Zaatar (Middle Eastern herb blend)
  • 2 tablespoons Tahini
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 sheet Parchment paper (For baking tray)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 190°C

  2. Prepare Rice and Lentils

    Rinse 0.5 cup brown rice under cold water 2-3 times until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well. Drain soaked lentils (0.25 cup, soaked overnight).

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook Rice and Lentils

    In a pot, combine rinsed rice, drained lentils, and 0.75 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  4. Steam Rice and Lentils

    After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice and lentils steam, covered, for another 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Prepare Chickpeas

    Rinse and drain a 400ml can of chickpeas. Place in a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and a drizzle (about 1 tbsp) of avocado oil. Toss to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Roast Chickpeas

    Spread seasoned chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast in preheated oven for 25 minutes, shaking tray halfway through for even browning.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 190°C

  7. Prepare Vegetables

    Dice 1 red onion, 0.5 cucumber, and 1 tomato. Roughly chop 30g fresh parsley. Add all to a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Make Dressing

    In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tbsp lemon juice, 0.25 tsp salt, black pepper to taste, 2 tsp zaatar, 2 tbsp tahini, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Shake or whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Assemble Bowl

    Fluff the rice and lentils with a rice paddle or fork. Add to the bowl with vegetables. Add roasted chickpeas. Pour in half the dressing and toss to combine. Add more dressing to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Serve

    Divide into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
13g
Carbohydrates
60g
Fat
14g
Fiber
12g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut-free, high-fiber

Allergens: Sesame (tahini)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Lentil and Chickpea Rice Bowl

A hearty, vibrant, and easy plant-based rice bowl featuring brown rice, lentils, smoky roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini-zatar dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

EasyMiddle Eastern-inspiredServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
1h
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.34
Total cost
$2.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook Rice and Lentils
  • Steam Rice and Lentils
  • Roast Chickpeas
  • Assemble Bowl

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling hot baking tray and pot.
  • Be careful when chopping vegetables to avoid cuts.

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