Lentil Rice Loaf Recipe: This Hearty Vegetarian Delight Might Just Be The Coziest Dinner Ever

There's something timeless about a hearty loaf fresh out of the oven-warm, fragrant, and rich with the promise of comfort. But what if you could have all that coziness without the meat? Enter the Lentil Rice Loaf: a nourishing, plant-based twist on a classic that delivers flavor, texture, and nostalgia in every slice.

Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this loaf is the kind of dish that satisfies everyone at the table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, nutty rice, aromatic herbs, and a hint of umami, it's not just a meatless alternative-it's a main event all its own. The dish is easy to prepare and serves four people.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins

Ingredients Required

• ½ cup lentils
• 2½ cups vegetable stock
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup brown rice
• 1 egg, beaten
• About 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Saucepan with lid
• Bowl
• Baking dish
• Oven

How To Prepare

1. Combine the lentils and bay leaf with 1½ cups of stock in a saucepan. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Add more stock if needed to keep the lentils covered.
2. In another saucepan, bring 1 cup of stock to a boil. Add the brown rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 50 minutes.
3. Transfer about three-quarters of the cooked rice into a bowl. Add the cooked lentils along with about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
4. Add the beaten egg, chopped onion, olive oil, and bread crumbs to the mixture. Adjust the ratio of rice to lentils by adding more rice if desired. Mix until the mixture holds together.
5. Grease a small baking dish and place the mixture into it. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until a crust forms around the edge.
6. Allow the loaf to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Nutritional Values

This Lentil Rice Loaf is not only delicious but also nutritious. It provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fibre. Enjoy this dish as a main course or pair it with your favourite side salad for a complete meal.