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Mediterranean Rice and Beans Recipe

Mediterranean Rice and Beans Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Mediterranean Rice and Beans is a vibrant and wholesome one-pot dish combining long-grain white rice with chickpeas, cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Mediterranean spices. This flavorful recipe is enhanced by fresh spinach and brightened with lemon juice, making it a nutritious, filling, and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains and Legumes

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati/jasmine)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Olives
  • Pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
  2. Cook Vegetables: Stir in diced bell pepper and chopped tomato. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add Spices: Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat the mixture with the spices.
  4. Add Rice: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the vegetable and spice mixture thoroughly.
  5. Simmer Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Incorporate Beans and Spinach: Gently fold in the chickpeas, cannellini beans, and chopped spinach. Cover the pot and allow it to sit for 5 minutes so the spinach wilts.
  7. Add Lemon and Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, garnish with chopped parsley or mint. Optionally, top with crumbled feta cheese, olives, or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

  • Use basmati or jasmine rice for a more aromatic dish.
  • Vegetable broth adds extra flavor, but water can be used for a lighter option.
  • Adjust spices to your taste preferences, adding more or less smoked paprika or cumin.
  • Optional toppings like feta cheese and olives complement the dish but can be omitted for a vegan version.
  • Make sure to rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium content.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean rice and beans, vegetable rice dish, chickpea rice recipe, healthy Mediterranean meal, vegetarian rice recipe

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/mediterranean-rice-and-beans-recipe/