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A bowl of Mediterranean rice and beans garnished with herbs and spices.

Mediterranean Rice and Beans

A quick, comforting, and forgiving dish that combines rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and spices, perfect for a busy day.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 of a lemon Juice of
  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese, olives, or pine nuts

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and chopped tomato. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast it slightly.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  5. Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and cannellini beans, as well as the chopped spinach.
  6. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
  7. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and fluff it with a fork.
  8. Top with freshly chopped parsley or mint, and add any optional toppings like feta cheese, olives, or pine nuts. Serve warm.

Notes

Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor. Using broth instead of water enhances the dish's flavor. Feel free to add more vegetables or proteins as desired.