Healthy Mediterranean Rice and Beans
Healthy Mediterranean Rice and Beans is a one-pot vegetarian dish.
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
- Sliced olives
- Tahini drizzle
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Spices
- Stir in diced bell pepper and tomato. Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Cook the Rice
- Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat it well with the spices and oil. Pour in vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Add Beans and Greens
- Stir in chickpeas or cannellini beans and chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until greens are wilted and everything is heated through.
Finish and Serve
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and gently fluff the rice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or mint. Add feta, olives, or a tahini drizzle if desired.
- This Healthy Mediterranean Rice and Beans is best served warm but also tastes delicious at room temperature.
Notes
- Kale will take slightly longer to soften than spinach.