Mediterranean Rice And Beans

Mediterranean Rice And Beans

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings Category: Dishes Cuisine: Mediterranean Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Description A bright, comforting one-pot meal that balances hearty beans, fragrant rice, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: crumbled feta, olives, tahini drizzle
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Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the red bell pepper and tomato, and roughly chop the greens. Rinse and drain the beans well.
  2. Warm the pot: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add onion and sauté 4–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add vegetables: Stir in red bell pepper and tomato, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Bloom the spices: Add cumin, paprika, and oregano, and toast the spices for 30–60 seconds.
  6. Toast the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, toasting for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Add liquid and beans: Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Stir in beans.
  8. Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
  9. Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale and let wilt for 2–3 minutes.
  10. Finish and season: Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
  11. Garnish and serve: Fold in parsley or mint and serve with optional toppings.

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. For best results, use room-temperature broth and rinse the rice to ensure fluffiness.