Another simple and quick meal coming at you!

With summer break just around the corner I have been really trying to figure out which of my recipes are super easy, kid approved, and adult delicious. I will have 3 kiddos full time at home for almost 2 months so I need to get my meal game on!

While I hardly have time as it is to make elaborate meals, I really want to try and get a good few recipes I can make throughout the summer break. I am planning on releasing a recipe index card with 6 simple tofu recipes next week! So stay tuned for that!

While my boys are pretty good at being patient around dinner, especially if I give them some screen time, I want to try and spend as much time as I can with them this summer! I have been so blessed to get this opportunity to be home with them and get to full time parent them. Before I had Micah I was a full time scientist and I always felt like my kids were being raised by their teachers! I mean they spent more time with them then with us during the week! Plus I know that being able to stay home with them wont last forever, and who knows if I will get another summer with them, so I want to try and enjoy it as much as possible without my kitchen monopolizing my time!

I am sure some of this also applies to many of you! The last thing I ever wanted to do after a full day of work was come home and stand in front of my stove for 45 minutes. With this meal the prep work is so minimal and the instant pot does all the work. I also go ahead and cook my rice in the instant pot as well so this meal is super simple and easy. And trust me lentils pack a lot of flavour when spiced well! One of the best ways to add flavour to your meals is to take the time to saute your onions and spices. That is why I don’t just simply throw them in with the lentils (although that is an option if you are really time pressed). By letting the onions and spices cook, you are releasing a ton of flavour and allowing the spices to come to their full potential. So try not to skip this part!

Oh and if you make this recipe I would love your thought in the comments! Or can find me on instagram and let me know @at.my.table!

Fast and Simple Lentils and Rice

Recipe by atmytableCourse: Dinner, LunchCuisine: family styleDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

One of the easiest (and cheapest) meal options out there. Packed full of nutrients this simple meal will leave you satisfied and with loads of time to live you life! Easy prep, cook and very little dishes!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of uncooked lentils, Beluga is best but brown or black also work

• 3 cups water

• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

• 1 white onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tbs Chinese 5 spice

• 1 tbs smoked paprika

Directions

• Set your instant pot to saute, then add in the oil and onions. Cook for about 2 minutes then add in the garlic and all the spices. Continue to cook until onions are soft and spices are fragrant (roughly 5 minutes)
• Rinse lentils then add them to the pot. along with the water. Close the lid then set to bean for 15v minutes.
• Once cooked vent then add to rice or enjoy as is.

Notes

• If you do not have an Instant Pot not to worry. These lentils can be made in a regular pot on the stove. Just follow the same basic instructions. Saute the onions, spices and garlic in the same way. After you add the lentils and water just cover, reduce heat and let the lentils simmer for about 20 minutes. You will likely need to use a bit more water.