One Bowl, Three Ways

A good everyday meal doesn’t have to begin with a long shopping list. Rice, lentils, vegetables, and a few pantry seasonings can become a warm, satisfying bowl—with plenty of room to make it your own.

This simple recipe gives you one starting point and three flavor directions. Prepare the base, choose your finishing touches, and bring something different to the table.

The everyday bowl

Makes approximately four servings.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked lentils, drained if needed
• 4 cups chopped vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional fresh parsley, cilantro or sliced green onions

Cook rice and lentils separately according to their package directions before assembling. Different varieties need different amounts of water and cooking time. Prepared lentils are another convenient option; follow their heating instructions.

Make it in four steps

1. Prepare the vegetables. Heat the oven to 425°F. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces, toss with the oil, and spread across a large baking sheet. Use two sheets if needed to avoid crowding.
2. Roast until tender. Cook for approximately 20–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Check earlier for softer vegetables such as zucchini.
3. Build your bowls. Divide the warm rice and lentils among four bowls, then add the roasted vegetables.
4. Finish with flavor. Add citrus juice, your chosen seasoning or sauce, and fresh herbs if using. Taste before adding salt, especially when using prepared sauces or seasoned lentils.

1. Warm Indian-inspired spices

Choose basmati rice and finish with a little ghee and curry-seasoned vegetables.

For four servings, start with 1 teaspoon of Simply Organic Spicy Curry Powder tossed with the vegetables and oil before roasting. Adjust the amount on your next batch to suit your taste. Add a small spoonful of Pure Indian Foods ghee to each warm bowl if desired.

Finish with lemon and cilantro. This is an easy pantry interpretation inspired by Indian flavors, with room for your own preferences.

2. A Southwestern-style bowl

Toss the vegetables with a little Simply Organic Southwest Taco seasoning before roasting, following the packet’s suggested proportions.

Spoon Kitchen Garden Farm salsa over the finished bowls and add lime juice. Corn, bell peppers, and green onions make useful additions. Prefer more heat? Add a small amount of sriracha at the table so everyone can choose their own level.

3. An Italian-inspired pesto bowl

Stir a spoonful of Campo d’Oro Sicilian pesto into each portion of warm rice and lentils, then top with the roasted vegetables.

Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Finish with lemon juice and parsley. The pesto shown in our assortment contains pecorino cheese, so check its label when choosing for someone avoiding dairy.

A little nutrition, without overcomplicating dinner

Lentils belong to the pulse family and can serve as a plant-based protein food. Pairing them with rice and vegetables brings several food groups into one meal. 

The finished bowl’s nutrition depends on your ingredients and portions. Compare labels when choosing prepared lentils, sauces, and seasonings, particularly for sodium and serving size. Add sauces gradually—you can always offer more at the table.

Make it work for your household

Serve the rice, lentils, vegetables, and toppings separately when everyone likes something different. Keep one portion lightly seasoned and offer stronger flavors alongside it.

For a shorter preparation time, use suitable ready-to-heat rice or lentils and vegetables that are already washed and cut. Follow each package’s preparation instructions.

These recipes combine pantry products with fresh ingredients you supply. Bundle contents vary; check each listing for what is included.

Find your bowl-building favorites

Explore The RiverBarn’s Meal Essentials and Sauces & Seasonings for pantry ingredients and finishing touches.

Shop The RiverBarn collection

Need help choosing? Chat with us on our website, available 24/7. Tell us your flavor preferences or dietary needs, and we can help you review the available options and product labels.