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Mediterranean Rice and Lentils Skillet with Za’atar and Kalamata Olives Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 106 reviews

A hearty and flavorful rice and lentils skillet recipe combining cooked rice, lentils, fresh spinach, bell pepper, and za’atar seasoning for a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (approx. 150 g)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (60 g)

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice (575 g)
  • 1 can brown lentils (15 oz), rinsed and drained (or 1.5 cups cooked green or brown lentils)

Seasonings and Extras

  • 2 tsp za’atar seasoning
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (45 g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the dish.
  2. Sauté onion and bell pepper: Add the finely chopped white onion and red bell pepper to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted and incorporated.
  4. Combine rice, lentils, and seasoning: Add the cooked rice, rinsed lentils, and za’atar seasoning into the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until the rice is heated through, allowing it to sit occasionally for 2-3 minutes to brown and crisp slightly.
  5. Add olives and finish: Stir in the sliced kalamata olives then remove the skillet from heat.
  6. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired for a bright finish. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Leftover rice and lentils should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within 5 days.
  • This dish is not suitable for freezing as the texture can degrade upon thawing.
  • Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content if preferred.
  • Za’atar can be substituted with a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds if unavailable.

Keywords: rice and lentils, Mediterranean rice recipe, vegetarian skillet, za’atar rice, quick vegetarian meal

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/mediterranean-rice-and-lentils-skillet-with-zaatar-and-kalamata-olives-recipe/