Who says you need dairy to make a creamy, indulgent risotto? With this red lentil risotto rice cooker recipe, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful dish that’s both vegan and requires minimal effort!
I remember loving risotto before I became lactose intolerant and loved the creaminess of this classic Italian comfort dish. I started craving this again and decided to create a plant-based version.
Ironically, my stove stopped working, so I tossed everything into my rice cooker, and all I could say was, wow! The rice cooker makes this Red Lentil Risotto in a rice cooker dish a winner!
This recipe combines the convenience of a rice cooker with the protein-packed goodness of red lentils, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based meal.
If you are looking for a simple dinner idea in less than 45 minutes then this dish is for you. Let’s dive in!
Are you in the mood for more Italian recipes? Why not try out Easy Plant-based tomato pasta sauce recipe.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love it
- Creamy & comforting without dairy
- Protein-packed with red lentils
- Easy one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
- Budget-friendly & simple ingredients
- Fully Plant-based and vegan
Health Benefits of Red Lentils
- Red lentils are considered a plant-based whole food.
- High protein content from red lentils.
- Rich in fiber for better digestion.
- Low in fat and cholesterol-free.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies.
- Supports weight management.
- Boosts energy level.
Red Lentil Risotto in a Rice Cooker Ingredients
This one-pot Italian-inspired plant-based version of red lentil risotto is super simple. The ingredients are easy to find and are widely available in most grocery stores. Swap fresh veggies for frozen to save even more time.
- Olive oil cold pressed/extra virgin preferred
- Arborio rice or any risotto rice- This one is important. Changing the rice will affect the consistency and creaminess.
- Dried red lentils
- Yellow onion (finely diced)
- Cloves garlic (minced)
- Baby carrots or regular carrots (finely diced)
- Broccoli finely chopped
- Red bell pepper finely chopped
- Sweet paprika
- Ground black pepper
- Hot water
- Vegetable bouillon cube or veggie broth
- 2 tbsp frozen green peas
Creamy Red Lentil Risotto in a Rice Cooker (2025) – Easy, Vegan, and Delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil cold pressed/extra virgin
- 1.5 cups Arborio rice or risotto rice
- 3/4 cups dried red lentils
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3-4 baby carrots finely diced
- 1/4 head broccoli finely chopped
- 1/4 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsbp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 vegetable bullion cube
- 2 tbsp frozen green peas
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to the Rice Cooker:2 tbsp Olive oil, 1.5 cups Arborio rice, 3/4 cups dried red lentils, 1 yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 3-4 baby carrots, 1/4 head broccoli, 1/4 red bell pepper, 1 1/2 tsbp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 2 cups hot water, 1 vegetable bullion cube
- Cook the Risotto: Stir everything together to combine. Secure the lid on the rice cooker and press the “cook” button. Let the rice cooker work its magic—no stirring needed!
- Finish with Peas: Once the cooking cycle is complete, stir in green peas. Let the risotto sit in the rice cooker for 5 minutes to allow the peas to thaw and the flavors to meld together.2 tbsp frozen green peas
- Serve and Enjoy: Give the risotto a final stir, then serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, dairy-free red lentil risotto straight from the rice cooker!
Video
Notes
Helpful Tips & Storage
- You can change the red lentils for any canned or cooked bean variety. I personally find that other dried lentils take too long and are still crunchy. They do not work well in the rice cooker.
- Swap frozen vegetables for fresh vegetables to save prep time. The recipe still tastes great!
- You can make this oil-free depending on your rice cooker. I prefer it as it enhances the flavour.
- Change up the spices if preferred. Add smoked paprika if you want a more smoky flavour.
- This freezes well for up to 3 months and can be kept in the fridge for 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Red Lentil Risotto in a rice cooker gluten-free?
Yes all ingredients including the Arborio rice are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe without a rice cooker?
Yes, you can make this on the stovetop as a one-pot meal.
Can I use brown rice instead of risotto rice?
I do not recommend it as it changes the texture and will lose the creaminess
Can I use frozen veggies instead of fresh veggies?
Yes, of course. This will make the prep time even faster.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, any canned been will work in this recipe. It might change the consistency as the red lentils make the risotto creamy.
Have you tried making risotto in a rice cooker before? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with a friend or pin it for later!
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