Kibble for Humans: Rice + Lentils + Veggies
Kibble for Humans: Rice + Lentils + Veggies is a easy International recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by TheModernSurvivalist on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min
Cost: $4.52 total, $1.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown Basmati Rice (rinsed briefly; long‑grain brown basmati for lower arsenic)
- 0.5 cup Green Lentils (rinsed; can use brown or red lentils)
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (any blend of peas, carrots, corn, green beans; can use canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp Ground Turmeric (adds color and anti‑inflammatory benefits)
- 1 tsp All‑Purpose Savory Seasoning (contains salt, onion powder, and mild herbs; can substitute with ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp onion powder)
- 4 cup Water (filtered or tap; ratio 4 cups water per 1 cup rice)
Instructions
Measure and Prepare Ingredients
Measure 1 cup brown basmati rice, 0.5 cup green lentils, and 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables. Rinse the rice and lentils quickly under cold water.
Time: PT5M
Add Ingredients to Rice Cooker
Place the rinsed rice, lentils, and vegetables into the rice cooker inner pot.
Time: PT2M
Season and Add Water
Add 4 cups of water, 1 tsp ground turmeric, and 1 tsp all‑purpose savory seasoning. Stir briefly to distribute the spices.
Time: PT1M
Cook
Close the lid, select the regular “Cook” setting, and let the rice cooker run. It will automatically switch to “Warm” when the water is absorbed.
Time: PT40M
Rest
When the cooker switches to “Warm,” let the pot sit for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish the cooking process.
Time: PT5M
Fluff and Serve
Open the lid, fluff the rice‑lentil‑vegetable mixture with a fork or spoon, and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 11 g
- Carbohydrates
- 75 g
- Fat
- 1 g
- Fiber
- 14 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free (if seasoning is gluten‑free)
Allergens: None (seasoning may contain soy or gluten depending on brand)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brown Basmati Rice: white basmati rice, brown rice
- Instead of Green Lentils: brown lentils, red split lentils
- Instead of Frozen Mixed Vegetables: canned mixed vegetables, fresh chopped vegetables
- Instead of Ground Turmeric: turmeric powder, curry powder (use less)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Savory Seasoning: salt and onion powder
- Instead of Water: low‑sodium broth for extra flavor
Equipment Needed
- Rice Cooker
- Measuring Cup
- Spoon
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Maintain the 4 cups water to 1 cup rice ratio to avoid burning.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice cooker is in the cooking cycle.
- Allow a 5‑minute rest after the cooker switches to Warm for optimal texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the rice and lentils in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding water for a nuttier flavor.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or a splash of lemon juice after cooking for brightness.
- Swap frozen mixed vegetables for dehydrated freeze‑dried veggies for even longer shelf life.
Troubleshooting
Rice or lentils are undercooked and still crunchy.
Add ¼ cup more water, close the lid, and let the cooker run another 5‑10 minutes.
The bottom layer is burnt or stuck.
Check that the water ratio was correct; next time add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pot.
The mixture is too watery.
Leave the cooker on the “Warm” setting for an extra 5‑10 minutes with the lid slightly ajar to evaporate excess moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer bags; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave or stovetop with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not keep cooked meal at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the cooked batch quickly in a shallow pan before refrigerating.
- Portion into single‑serve containers for grab‑and‑go meals.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of rice and lentil meals in survival cooking?
Rice and lentils have long been staples in many cultures because they are inexpensive, store well, and together provide a complete protein. In emergency preparedness circles, they are celebrated as a reliable, low‑maintenance foundation for long‑term nutrition.
How does the rice‑lentil‑vegetable combination compare to traditional kibble for dogs?
Both aim to deliver balanced calories, protein, and essential micronutrients in a single, shelf‑stable package. Unlike commercial dog kibble, this human version uses whole foods, no artificial preservatives, and can be flavored with spices like turmeric.
What traditional regional variations exist for rice‑and‑lentil dishes in global cuisine?
Many regions have their own versions: Indian khichdi, Middle‑Eastern mujaddara, and North African rice‑lentil pilafs. Each adds local spices, herbs, or vegetables, but the core concept of rice plus lentils remains the same.
What occasions or celebrations is a simple rice‑lentil dish traditionally associated with in various cultures?
In South Asian cultures, khichdi is often served during fasting days, recovery from illness, or as comfort food. In Mediterranean regions, lentil‑rice pilafs are common at family gatherings and religious holidays.
What makes this Survival Rice and Lentil Kibble for Humans special in the context of emergency food storage?
It uses brown basmati rice, which has lower arsenic levels, and green lentils that cook at the same rate as rice, allowing a one‑pot preparation in a rice cooker with minimal fuel and equipment.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Survival Rice and Lentil Kibble for Humans?
The biggest errors are using the wrong water‑to‑rice ratio, opening the rice cooker during cooking, and not allowing the post‑cook rest period. All three can lead to uneven texture or burnt bottoms.
Why does this recipe use a rice cooker instead of a stovetop pot?
A rice cooker automatically switches off when the water is absorbed, preventing over‑cooking and saving fuel—critical factors for long‑term or off‑grid preparation.
Can I make this Survival Rice and Lentil Kibble ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the cooked batch quickly, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dish is done?
The rice should be fluffy, the lentils tender but not mushy, and the vegetables bright and fully heated. The mixture should have a uniform golden hue from the turmeric and no excess water at the bottom.
What does the YouTube channel TheModernSurvivalist specialize in?
TheModernSurvivalist focuses on practical survival skills, long‑term food storage, emergency preparedness, and minimalist cooking techniques that work with limited equipment and resources.
How does the YouTube channel TheModernSurvivalist's approach to emergency food differ from other survival channels?
TheModernSurvivalist emphasizes everyday‑integrated meals that can double as regular diet staples, rather than exotic or novelty foods. The channel showcases simple, repeatable recipes using common grocery items and basic appliances like a rice cooker.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
