This Frugal Friday I bring you a family favorite and SUPER frugal, yet delicious and enjoyable, meal.  Several years ago I stumbled upon a blog post or something with this recipe.  I have no idea where I found it and have not been able to find it since, but the recipe is so easy it has stuck with me ever since.  I think we have tweaked the recipe a bit, so this is the time-tested, child-approved, budget-friendly version that I am sure everyone will enjoy!

Frugal Friday: Delicious and CHEAP Lentils and Rice

I am going to give you the ingredients in the amounts for a single serving, so multiply as needed.  To feed my kids (and myself) a hearty lunch of just this dish I will quadruple the recipe so that they can have seconds if desired…today’s pot was emptied by the time lunch was over.  If you have a smaller family, or are using this as a side dish rather than the main course, simply multiply in smaller amounts.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 1/4 cup green lentils
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4-1/3 cup water, used separate from cooking water
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Add rice, lentils, and first amount of water (multiplied as necessary) to an appropriately sized pot.  Bring to boil.
2. Once boiling, lower heat and let simmer for 40 minutes, or until lentils and rice are thoroughly cooked through.
3. Add second portion of water, plus salt and pepper to taste, and stir the pot thoroughly to distribute the seasoning and incorporate the water.
4. Let simmer for another 5-10 minutes.  The additional water makes the dish risotto-like and brings a final touch to the texture.
5. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper as necessary…don’t skimp on this area!  If it doesn’t taste divine, add a little more =0)
6. You can top with a lower fat cheese, if desired (or a regular one for the kids).  Enjoy!