Craving a hearty meal without the hassle? This recipe delivers ready-to-eat satisfaction in under 10 minutes using pantry staples you likely already own.
With costs under $2 per serving and zero fancy equipment, it’s ideal for students, busy pros, or anyone prioritizing flavor without fuss. Yes, your microwave just became your new favorite chef.
We’ll show you how to transform canned lentils and instant rice into a protein-packed meal—no stove required.
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Microwave Canned Lentils and Instant Rice Delight
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Global2
5
minutes5
minutes350
kcal10
minutesThis recipe combines ready-to-eat canned lentils and instant rice for a wholesome meal that requires minimal preparation. No cooking skills are needed, just heat and serve. This simple dish is perfect for those looking for a quick, healthy, and filling option that's also easy on the wallet.
Ingredients
of lentils 15 oz
of instant rice
of water
olive oil
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of instant rice and 2 cups of water.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving one corner open to vent.
- Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, letting it sit covered for another minute to steam.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the canned lentils (drained and rinsed), olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it between two serving plates.
- Top each serving with the heated lentil mixture, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your quick, nutritious meal..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the lentils before heating. You can also substitute the water with vegetable broth for more flavor. This meal is highly versatile and can be adjusted based on what you have on hand.
What Are Canned Lentils and Instant Rice?
Canned lentils are pre-cooked legumes preserved in water or brine, ready to eat straight from the tin. They’re a 30-second pantry hero packed with protein and fiber. Instant rice? Parboiled, dried, and pre-cooked so it rehydrates fast—usually in 5 minutes flat.
John once forgot his own birthday party prep until guests were 20 minutes out. We salvaged the chaos by microwaving canned lentils and instant rice into a makeshift “gourmet” bowl. Spoiler: No one guessed it cost $1.50 per serving.
Can You Microwave Canned Lentils and Instant Rice?
Absolutely—if you ditch the can. Always transfer lentils to a microwave-safe bowl first. Metal tins and microwaves? Not exactly besties. Instant rice often comes in BPA-free pouches, but we prefer glass containers for even heating. For a quick meal option, consider making a cheap microwave canned lentil rice wrap. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy lentils without a lot of hassle.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Canned Legumes and Grains
- Rinse those lentils: Canned brine can pack 300mg sodium per half-cup. A quick rinse cuts saltiness without losing flavor.
- Vent the lid: Cover rice with a microwave-safe plate or vented lid. Trapped steam = fluffier grains.
- Stir halfway: Microwaves heat unevenly. Stirring prevents cold spots in lentils and clumpy rice.
Fun fact: John’s birthday “salvage meal” taught us to microwave lentils and rice separately. Combining them too early turns the dish into a mushy hug. Delicious, but texturally questionable.
Ready to turn these tips into edible magic? Let’s talk ingredients and wallet-friendly swaps next.
Ingredients for Microwave Lentil and Rice Delight
Our base recipe needs just 5 staples: canned lentils, instant rice, water, salt, and olive oil. That’s it! We’ve survived on this combo during power outages, last-minute potlucks, and that one time our stove decided to retire mid-meal prep. For a quick and budget-friendly meal, cheap microwave canned lentil instant mashed potatoes can be an excellent addition. They offer a hearty dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also complements a variety of flavors in your cooking.
Affordable Substitutes and Alternatives
No olive oil? Raid your condiment drawer. We’ve used butter packets saved from coffee shops, bacon grease (don’t judge), even mayo in a pinch. Canned lentils can swap for chickpeas or black beans—just adjust cook times by 30 seconds. For a quick and easy meal, consider adding lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon and canned beans to your next dish. This combination pairs well with lentils and can save you valuable time in the kitchen.
- Broth boost: Replace water with bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water. Our college hack? Save ramen seasoning packets.
- Spice it smart: Garlic powder costs $0.03 per serving versus fresh cloves. We keep dollar-store paprika on speed dial.
Also See: Oreo Mug Cake Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
How to Microwave Canned Lentils
Lentils are basically the microwave’s best friend—they just need a little TLC. Pro tip: Use a 2-quart glass bowl to prevent splash disasters. Trust us, cleaning lentil sludge from the turntable isn’t fun. A convenient option for busy days is cheap microwave canned lentil stew, which provides a quick and satisfying meal without the hassle. With just a few minutes in the microwave, you can enjoy a nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Draining and Rinsing Lentils
Dump that can into a colander! Rinsing for 10 seconds under tap water slashes sodium by 40% and removes the “tinny” taste. Shake vigorously—we pretend we’re bartending a lentil cocktail.
Step 2: Seasoning Adjustments for Enhanced Flavor
Naked lentils are sad lentils. Start with 1/4 tsp cumin and a garlic powder shake. Too bland? Add smoked paprika in 1/8 tsp increments. We once accidentally used cinnamon—0/10 do not recommend. For a quick and flavorful meal, consider cheap microwave canned lentil pasta; it provides a tasty option that can be prepared in no time. Many people enjoy it for its convenience and nutritious benefits.
Step 3: Microwave Timing and Power Settings
Cook lentils on 70% power for 2 minutes to prevent explosive bubbling. Stir, then blast on high for 45 seconds. They’re done when steam rises without a hissing soundtrack. Overcooked? Mix in 1 tsp water and nuke 15 seconds. This quick method is not just efficient but also perfect for whipping up a delicious 2 minute microwave lentil curry. bringing vibrant flavors to your meal in no time.
Also See: Easy 90-second Almond Flour Bread: Quick & Delicious!
How to Microwave Instant Rice
Instant rice brands lie. Minute Rice needs 5 minutes? Ours took 3:30. Your mileage may vary—we’ll help you nail it every time. When it comes to cooking rice, one of the quickest methods is to use the microwave. Learning how to make Minute Rice in the microwave can save you time and ensure perfectly cooked grains.
Step 1: Water-to-rice Ratios for Perfect Texture
Use 1:1.25 ratio for fluffy grains. That’s 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cups water. Too dry? Add 1 tbsp water and nuke 20 seconds. Our golden rule: Underwater, not underwatered. For those looking to make rice efficiently, cooking regular rice in the microwave can be a great option. This method not only saves time but also ensures perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort.
Step 2: Using Broth Instead Of Water
Swap water with chicken or veggie broth for a flavor glow-up. No broth? Steal the liquid from canned mushrooms or beans. We’ve even used pickle juice (surprisingly decent).
Step 3: Resting Time After Microwaving
Let rice sit covered for 2 minutes post-nuking. This allows steam to redistribute—skipping this caused our 2021 “crunchy ricegate” incident. Fluff with a fork, not a spoon. Forks separate grains better, promise. For a hassle-free meal, consider the microwave trick for perfect rice—no stove needed!
Now that we’ve mastered microwaving lentils and rice solo, let’s explore how to combine them into a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Spoiler: It involves strategic stirring and maybe a cheese sprinkle. A delicious option to consider is a cheap microwave canned lentil rice bowl, which combines these ingredients for a quick meal. This simple dish is not only budget-friendly but also nutritious, making it perfect for busy days.
Combining Microwaved Lentils and Rice
Here’s where texture alchemy happens. We learned the hard way that dumping hot lentils onto rice creates a soggy mess. Instead, layer them like lasagna—rice first, lentils on top. Let the steam mingle flavors without sacrificing crunch.
Mixing Techniques for Even Flavor Distribution
Grab two forks—not one. Cross them like swords and lift from the bowl’s bottom to gently fold grains and legumes. We call this the “tossing without tossing cookies” method. Add spices post-mixing: a paprika sprinkle here, a garlic powder dusting there.
Microwave the combo for 20 seconds if you prefer warmer temps. Stir once midway. Pro tip: A dab of butter melted between layers acts like flavor glue. Our 2019 “Buttergate” experiment proved it boosts herb absorption by 30%. Incorporating a spring herb butter spread can elevate your meals, especially when blended in the microwave for a quick and flavorful addition. This technique not only enhances taste but also preserves the vibrant qualities of your favorite herbs.
How to Store Microwaved Lentils and Rice
This duo keeps for 4 days max in fridge—any longer and lentils morph into mushy pebbles. Use glass containers, not plastic. Why? Glass prevents that weird fridge taste. We label ours with “NOT TUNA” after John’s lunchbox mix-up incident.
Reheating Without Drying Out
Sprinkle 1 tsp water over leftovers before nuking. Cover with a damp paper towel—it’s like a spa day for grains. Microwave at 50% power for 90 seconds, stir, then 30 seconds full blast.
Freezing works too! Portion into muffin tins for single-serve pucks. Thaw overnight, then reheat. We’ve launched frozen lentil-rice pucks into soups, omelets, even quesadillas. Desperation breeds creativity. For a quick and satisfying snack, lazy microwave frozen taquitos can be a game changer, requiring just a few minutes to prepare. They make for a perfect dip accompaniment with their convenient, flavorful filling.
Now that your leftovers are sorted, let’s jazz things up with budget-friendly spices and mix-ins. Because nobody wants to eat the same beige meal four days straight.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Meal!
We’ve covered everything from safety tips to flavor hacks for your microwave lentil and rice dish. With canned lentils cooking in 2-3 minutes and instant rice ready in under 5, this budget-friendly meal comes together faster than takeout.
Try our favorite combo: mix microwaved lentils with cumin and garlic powder, then fold into cilantro-lime rice. Let us know which variations you create – we’re always hunting for new microwave shortcuts!
