Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl

Name: Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils (green or brown); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup rice (white or brown); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme, for garnish; Juice of 1 lime

Highlighted under: Cultural Planning

I love making this Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl because it’s both vibrant and nutritious. The perfect blend of earthy lentils and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but bursting with flavor. I find that using fresh herbs like thyme and a squeeze of lime elevates the meal, making it feel bright and exciting. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or serving it at a cozy dinner, it never fails to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Created by

Francesca Holt

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:37:35.421Z

When I first decided to try making a Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl, I was amazed at how simple it was to bring such complex flavors together. The warmth of allspice and the freshness of lime juice made the dish incredibly inviting. I also learned that cooking the lentils separately allows them to maintain their texture, preventing them from becoming too mushy in the rice.

After experimenting with various spice levels, I discovered that teaching my kids the importance of spice blends can make a mealtime fun and educational. They love to help out, and the colorful presentation of the bowl encourages them to dig in without hesitation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Vibrant and colorful presentation that appeals to all ages
Nutritious balance of protein and fiber from lentils
Aromatic spices create an exciting flavor profile
Easily adjustable for your preferred spice level

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to prepare your Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl:

Ingredients

1 cup lentils (green or brown)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup rice (white or brown)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme, for garnish
Juice of 1 lime

Ensure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl:

Cook the Lentils

Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy.

Prepare the Rice

In another pot, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in allspice, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Once lentils are cooked, drain and mix them with the sautéed onion and spices. Serve over rice, drizzling lime juice on top and garnishing with fresh thyme.

Your Jamaican Spiced Lentil Rice Bowl is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Adjust the spices according to your preference for heat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned lentils. Just rinse and drain them, then skip the cooking step.

→ What can I serve with this rice bowl?

This bowl pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of grilled vegetables.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice, this recipe is completely gluten-free.