• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

My Plant-Based Family

Eating Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet recipes, On a Budget.

  • Plant-Based Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dish
    • Instant Pot
    • Daniel Fast Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Bread and Muffins
    • Salad and Wraps
    • Soup, Stews, and Chili
    • Sauces, Dips, and Salad Dressings
    • Desserts
    • Crock Pot
    • Mexican Food
  • Videos
  • Resources
    • Getting Started
    • Books
      • The Plant-Based Diet Starter Guide
      • The Plant-Based Holiday Meal Plan & Cookbook
  • Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans 2020
    • Meal Plans 2019
    • Meal Plans 2017
    • Meal Plans 2016
    • Meal Plans 2015
    • Meal Plans 2014
    • Meal Plans 2013
  • About Us
    • Our Family
    • Contact Me
    • Our Food Philosophy
    • Disclosure Policy
      • Privacy Policy
  • Daniel Fast Recipes

Main Dish

Instant Pot Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice

March 8, 2017 by Holly Yzquierdo 42 Comments

Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice is an easy and delicious vegan dish made completely in the Instant Pot.

I’m excited to share a recipe and tell you about The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for Your Instant Pot! I was given a free copy to review. All opinions are my own. 

Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice is an easy and delicious vegan dish made completely in the Instant Pot.

This page contains affiliate links.

Kathy Hester has knocked it out of the park with her new book The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for Your Instant Pot! It has quickly moved to the top of the list of cookbooks I recommend.

Kathy understands that sometimes you need really simple recipes, other times you are missing an ingredient and need to make a substitution, and other days you want to try something new and fancy. This cookbook does it all!

The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for your Instant Pot by Kathy Hester

I’ve enjoyed all of the recipes I’ve made so far from The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for Your Instant Pot!

I’ve taken photos of a few of them and I’m excited to share the Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice recipe. Unless you are new here, know how much I love lentils! First, I’ll tell you about a few other recipes I made from this book.

Kathy Hester's Instant Pot Rolled Oats

Check out this oatmeal cooked in the Instant Pot! Kathy used rolled oats and it turned out perfect!

My very favorite thing in the whole world right now is Kathy’s Vegan Cauliflower Queso. I can’t share those recipes but they are worth the price of the book alone! Truly, after tasting the queso you would gladly buy the book. It’s really that good!

Vegan Queso from the Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for your Instant Pot

Before I get ahead of myself let me tell you a little more about the book. It has 80 recipes and they are all completely vegan! I know that can be a relief when you are looking for Instant Pot recipes.

Plus, it was written for the Instant Pot so you don’t have to figure out how to make it in your pressure cooker if you are using the Instant Pot too.

Some recipes call for oil OR a dry saute with water or broth to prevent sticking. Often, recipes will let you know when substitutions are permitted. I love making substitutions so I appreciated the guidance, I avoided a trip to the store and had confidence my recipe would work.

Instant Pot Lentils and Rice is the perfect winter meal to make in your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice

This recipe says it serves four but we stretched it a bit further.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon water or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3½ cups water
  • 1½ cups brown rice
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 cup peeled and diced rutabaga (or turnip or potato)
  • 2 inches sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram (or thyme)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. For the sauté, use the sauté setting over normal, or medium heat, and heat the water or broth. Add the onion and sauté until transparent, 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and sauté a minute more.
  2. For the pressure cooker, add the water, brown rice, lentils, rutabaga, rosemary and marjoram to the onion mixture and stir to combine. Put the lid on and make sure that the vent is sealed. Cook on manual setting at high pressure and set for 23 minutes.
  3. Let the pressure release naturally. Season with salt and pepper before serving and add more marjoram and ground rosemary as needed.

I highly recommend this book. There are so many recipes I can’t wait to try! It’s deeply discounted right now on Amazon so get it before it goes up!

You can also try to win your own copy!

Yield: 4 Servings

Instant Pot Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice

Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice is an easy and delicious vegan dish made completely in the Instant Pot.

Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice is an easy and delicious vegan dish made completely in the Instant Pot.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon water or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3½ cups water
  • 1½ cups brown rice
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 cup peeled and diced rutabaga (or turnip or potato)
  • 2 inches sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram (or thyme)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. For the saute, use the saute setting over normal, or medium heat, and heat the water or broth. Add the onion and saute until transparent, 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and saute a minute more.
  2. For the pressure cooker, add the water, brown rice, lentils, rutabaga, rosemary and marjoram to the onion mixture and stir to combine. Put the lid on and make sure that the vent is sealed. Cook on manual setting at high pressure and set for 23 minutes.
  3. Let the pressure release naturally. Season with salt and pepper before serving and add more marjoram and ground rosemary as needed.

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo

Filed Under: Daniel Fast Recipes, Instant Pot, Main Dish Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: Instant Pot, Plant Based Diet, Vegan

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

August 10, 2016 by Holly Yzquierdo 126 Comments

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

If you’ve been here for a while you know I’m all about easy recipes. I think this Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice recipe is my new favorite. Why? Because you can cook black beans and brown rice together in the Instant Pot! No soaking or precooking. It turns out great, like magic. 

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

I’ve always been a fan of quick and easy meals. Years ago, when I was a stay at home mom I would still stick to simple meals. I had my hands full with kids, the house, and everything that comes with that role.

Now I work full time, still have to handle all the “mom stuff” and cooking can easily take a back seat to getting a little down time.

That is one of the main reasons I love my Instant Pot. It makes life easier for me. You may love your slow cooker, I used to use mine a lot more. Which ever you choose, having tools that make life more efficient and that set you up to be successful in your goals is a good investment. By the way, I use the 8 quart Instant Pot! You can see the Instant Pot I have at my Amazon Affiliate link.

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

This recipe is pretty simple. I wanted it to be a blank canvas so I could add difference spices and flavors. Before you skip over this no-fuss meal give it a try.

It took a few tries to get the beans and rice ready at the same time but this totally worked for us. If you want something with a slightly more complex flavor try my Instant Pot Mexican Casserole!

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

This super easy recipe feeds a crowd. It's mild flavor is perfect for kids who don't like spicy foods. Feel free to spice it up for adults.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced
  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 2 cups dry black beans
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 limes (optional)
  • Avocado (optional)
  • 4 ounce can of diced green chiles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dump diced onion and garlic into the Instant Pot liner.
  2. Add the brown rice and black beans.
  3. Pour the water into the pot liner and add the salt. If using, add the diced green chiles.
  4. Secure the lid with the vent sealed.
  5. Select Manual, using the arrows decrease time to 28 minutes.
  6. Once the time is up you can press cancel or unplug the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to naturally release. (I let it set for 20 minutes before opening the lid.)
  7. Scoop into bowls and squeeze a lime wedge over bowl and stir. Then add a few slices of avocado for garnish.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Organic Short Grain Brown Rice
    Organic Short Grain Brown Rice
  • Instant Pot 
    Instant Pot 

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Instant Pot

This recipe makes a lot of food! I estimate at least 6-8 servings depending on how much you eat.

If you want more flavor, try adding your favorite salsa, this homemade Pico de Gallo, homemade guacamole or your other favorite flavors. I almost always make this with a can of green chili now but when I first started making this I left it plain and would spice it up later.

Find more easy and delicious Vegan Instant Pot recipes on my Instant Pot page!

Frequently Asked Questions about Instant Pot Rice and Beans

Do you presoak your beans before adding the rice?

No, I do not presoak the black beans. They need to cook for about the same amount of time as the brown rice so it works to not presoak them.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

We don’t recommend using white rice. Many readers have reported using long grain white rice but we have not tested it. I expect the rice would be mushy. You could try white rice and use cooked beans but I have not tested to water and spice ratios or the cooking time.

If I halve the recipe, do I change the cooking time.

No, you can cut all the ingredients in half but leave the cooking time the same. The black beans and brown rice still need the same amount of time to cook.

The beans and rice come out bland, how can I spice it up?

This recipe is designed to be a blank canvas. People who avoid spicy foods and high salt content will enjoy it but we recommend spicing it up to your comfort level. We add salsa, more spices like chili power, adobo seasoning, cumin or hot sauce. You can read the comments for more ideas, some people loved it, other didn’t, we hope you enjoy it.

Filed Under: Daniel Fast Recipes, Instant Pot, Main Dish Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: Instant Pot, Plant Based Diet, Vegan

Quick and Easy Veggie Pad Thai

May 9, 2014 by Holly Yzquierdo 29 Comments

Veggie Pad Thai

Veggie Pad Thai has become a regular feature on our Meal Plan. My recipe is not traditional but it is quick, easy and delicious. Sometimes I’ll chop tons of veggies but in a pinch I’ll just grab a bag of frozen veggies from the freezer and have this dish on the table in about 20 minutes or less.

Veggie Pad Thai

I was inspired to make this by Lindsey S. Nixon because everyone was always going crazy for the Happy Herbivore Pad Thai recipe. We tried it and it was good but we changed it up based on the ingredients we always have on hand and that suit our food allergies/intolerance’s.

Veggie Pad Thai

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this site.

I usually start the boiling water first. Read the instructions on your noodles. Some types need to be boiled, some need to be soaked first. 

Then I prep all the veggies. Once they start to saute, I’ll toss the noodles in the water. The brown rice noodles I use need to boil for about 7 minutes. 

I saute the veggies, adding a little water when needed to keep them from sticking to the pan. I use this method instead of using oil. As the veggies cook I work on the sauce. This recipe comes together so quickly because everything is happening at once. 

Veggie Pad Thai

By the time the noodles are done, and the sauce is made, the veggies are almost done. I put them all in my biggest skillet to mix together. The residue heat from the skillet helps the sauce melt and mix will with the noodles and veggies. 

This version easily serves 4 (because of all the veggies) but we usually serve 2 kids and 3 adults.

Veggie Pad Thai
Yield: 3 servings

Veggie Pad Thai

Veggie Pad Thai

This plant-based Veggie Pad Thai recipe is not traditional but it is quick, easy and delicious. Use whatever veggies you have on hand or grab a bag of frozen stir fry veggies.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box Annie Chun’s Brown Rice Noodle, Pad Thai plus water
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 sliced bell pepper
  • (optional) 2-4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce) or Braggs Aminos (both are gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter or alternative like Sun Butter
  • 1/4 cup water for sauce
  • (optional) a touch of agave or maple syrup
  • (optional) Tapatio Hot Sauce or Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring water to boil in a medium-sized pot. Pour Noodles into boiling water and set timer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Pour stir fry veggies into a skillet and cook until they are tender-crisp.
  3. As veggies and noodles cook, mix Tamari (soy sauce) and nut/seed butter together. I like to slightly heat the nut/seed butter to make it easier. Then stir in water.
  4. Drain noodles and pour into veggies. Pour sauce over noodles and veggies and stir well.

Notes

Adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or to use up whatever you have on hand. This recipe feeds 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids.

Store recipe in an air tight container and reheat in the microwave until warm.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Annie Chun's Brown Rice Noodles, Pad Thai
    Annie Chun's Brown Rice Noodles, Pad Thai
  • Adams NO-STIR Natural CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 
    Adams NO-STIR Natural CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 
  • SAN-J -TAMARI-REDUCED SODIUM 
    SAN-J -TAMARI-REDUCED SODIUM 
  • SunButter 
    SunButter 

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Main Dish Recipes

Veggie Pad Thai

Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut-free, with soy-free option

Ingredients

  • 1 box Annie Chun’s Brown Rice Noodle, Pad Thai plus water
  • 1 bag frozen stir fry veggies or  1/2 cup diced onion, 1 cup slice carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1 cup bell peppers
  • (optional) 2-4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce) or Braggs Aminos  (both are gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup SunButter or peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup water for sauce
  • (optional) a touch of agave or maple syrup
  • (optional) Tapatio Hot Sauce or Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

Do

  1. Bring water to boil in a medium-sized pot.
  2. Pour stir fry veggies into a skillet and cook until they are tender-crisp.
  3. Pour Noodles into boiling water and set timer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. As veggies and noodles cook, mix Tamari (soy sauce) and nut/seed butter together. I like to slightly heat the nut/seed butter to make it easier. Then stir in water.
  5. Drain noodles and pour into veggies. Pour sauce over noodles and veggies and stir well.

Serve

I love adding bell peppers, squash, asparagus, and any other seasonal veggies that are available.

Since I’m always feeding kids and people with various food allergies I usually make things “middle of the road” and this recipe is no exception. My husband and teen pour lots of hot sauce on their.

We used to avoid peanuts due to allergies and would make this with sunflower seed butter. Now, my son is not longer allergic to peanuts and use peanut better. 

If you need to make this soy free try Organic Vegan Coconut Aminos.

If you are looking for more Quick and Easy Meals try my One-Pot Pizza Pasta!

Filed Under: Main Dish Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: Plant Based Diet, Recipes, Vegan

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Find it here!

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

Holly Yzquierdo of My Plant-Based Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Disclosures

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any part of this website or content without express and written permission from Holly Yzquierdo is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full credit is given to Holly Yzquierdo and MyPlantBasedFamily.com with links to the original content.

More information on our Privacy Policy and other Disclosures are available.

Copyright © 2025 · Wellness Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in