Are Lentils and Rice Good for You?<\/span><\/h2>\nHere\u2019s the lowdown as to why we love to serve this dish to our kids (and ourselves.)<\/p>\n
Just one half cup of lentils provides 9 grams of protein (more than an egg!) a third of our daily fiber, and almost half the daily recommended amount of folate.<\/p>\n
Brown rice, true to it\u2019s whole grain goodness, dishes out plenty of fiber too, along with minerals like manganese and selenium, and B-vitamins.<\/p>\n
And can we talk about fresh herbs? Parsley and scallions are as potent in nutrition as they are in flavor. These herbs are full of vitamins and antioxidants. Parsley helps support a healthy heart, liver, and immune system. <\/p>\n
The short version: eat up! This side is super nutritious.<\/p>\n <\/picture> <\/picture><\/noscript><\/figure>\nIngredients Needed for Brown Lentils and Rice<\/span><\/h2>\n\nBrown Rice <\/strong>\u2013 short grain brown rice is best for this recipe<\/li>\nLentils<\/strong> \u2013 French lentils are best. They are a variety of green lentils but they are slightly darker and smaller.<\/li>\nChicken Broth<\/strong><\/li>\nButter<\/strong> \u2013 unsalted<\/li>\nGarnish<\/strong> \u2013 fresh parsley and green onions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/picture> <\/picture><\/noscript><\/figure>\nTips for Making the Best Lentils and Rice<\/span><\/h2>\nWe tested this recipe a lot. Except \u201ctested\u201d isn\u2019t the right word. Really, we just kept making it<\/em>, because it was so tasty every time and we just wanted to keep eating it. BUT in this process of making it and making it again, we learned a bunch of tips and tricks that help your lentils and rice turn out perfect. Here\u2019s what we know:<\/p>\n\nFrench lentils work best here. <\/strong>Those are the small, greenish-brown marbled ones. They hold their shape better than ordinary green or brown lentils.<\/li>\nChoose a really stock or broth with a flavor your really like. <\/strong>Because you\u2019ll taste it. Homemade is awesome, but your favorite store-bought brand also works fine.<\/li>\nLeave the lentils and rice alone while they cook.<\/strong> Stirring will release the starches into the broth and make the whole mixture kind of sticky, and less appetizing. Find a nice low simmer, cover the pot, and let it be.<\/li>\nAdjust the amount of liquid if needed.<\/strong> A few variables can change how much broth you\u2019ll need to soften the lentils and rice. Add and extra splash if it seems like the pot is getting dry halfway through cooking. <\/li>\nWait until the very end to add the herbs. <\/strong>You want them fresh as can be. And don\u2019t stir too vigorously <\/li>\nIf your kids are suspicious of the herbs, keep them in a dish on the side. <\/strong>Each person at the table can add a sprinkle of she likes, or refrain if she doesn\u2019t.<\/li>\nAdd in tasty extras.<\/strong> This dish pairs well with a lot of flavors. Feel free to add what you have on hand like cooked chicken, beef or roasted vegetables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/picture> <\/picture><\/noscript><\/figure>\n