This easy and simple coconut red lentils and rice recipe is hands down one of my favorite recipes.

Red lentils and rice is also known as Dahl and rice or Dal and rice.

Side view. White bowl with spoon of white rice covered in yellow brown creamy lentil puree. White bowl of rice directly behind it. On white table. — *Looks like baby poo, but - hey - looks are deceiving!*

Coconut red lentils and rice is one of my favorite comfort food dishes. I’ve cooked it for all of my personal chef clients and everyone has loved it (even kids).

This red lentils and rice recipe is simple to make, easy to digest, and tastes delicious and nourishing.

Red lentils and rice is also vegan, vegetarian, Ayurvedic, gluten free, and also a serious comfort food!

Lentils and rice recipes are affordable, make a lot, and also freeze very well.

Top view. White bowl with spoon of white rice covered in yellow brown creamy lentil puree. White bowl of rice on side.

Red Lentils, Dahl, Or Dal

Split lentils like red lentils are also known as pulses, legumes, peas, dal, or dahl.

All of these words for lentils can be used interchangeably. Most lentils are served over or with rice.

Dried Red Lentils, Split Peas, Pinto Beans in Japanese Blue and White Spoons on a Colorful Striped Mat — *Dried red lentils on the left in the spoon.*

Tips For Making Red Lentils and Rice

Remember to stir the red lentils and liquid several times during the cooking process so the lentils don't stick and clump together.

Add in a handful of spinach or kale if you want to up your greens.

Like spicy red lentils? Garnish it with red chili pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, sriracha sauce, or crispy chili oil.

Don't like coconut milk? Cool - leave it out and add 2 cups extra broth instead.

Don't eat rice or trying to go lower carb? Serve red lentils with sautéed cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Hands down - coconut red lentils and rice is a nourishing, comforting, healthy, and delicious dish.

Side view. White bowl with spoon of white rice covered in yellow brown creamy lentil puree. White bowl of rice on side. On wood table. Close up.

Things In My Kitchen:

Red lentils - These are from Amazon but are probably also at your local grocery store.

As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Light tan bowl of yellow cooked lentils over white rice with sliced red chili garnish. — *Fresno Red Pepper Garnish. Would also be good with cilantro, a handful of kale, fresh diced tomatoes.*

Simple Coconut Red Lentils And Rice

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

EatSimpleFood.com

This simple creamy coconut and red lentils recipe is served over basmati rice. it is one of my favorite comfort food dishes.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 Tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
1 cup onions, diced
2 cups (~13 oz) red lentils
2 bay leaves
15 ounces full fat coconut milk
1 ¼ tsp salt
4 cups vegetable broth
6 cups cooked rice

Instructions

Bring a large pan to medium high heat and add olive oil.
When hot, reduce heat to medium and add onions. Cover and cook ~ 4-6 minutes or until translucent.
Add lentils, bay leaves, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook ~ 25-30 minutes or until it has lost most of it's shape and sorta looks pureed together. Stir it occasionally so the lentils don't clump.
Serve red lentils over rice and add salt to taste. Happy Eating! Beckie

Author: Beckie Hemmerling
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Serving Suggestion

This simple red lentils and rice recipe easily stands on it's own and doesn't need any sides. However, if you are looking for a side, you can't go wrong with a vegetable or a crunchy salad.