Description
A simple and satisfying dish combining rich Mediterranean flavors with nutritious rice and beans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (Basmati or jasmine rice for variety)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be a mild alternative)
- 1 Onion (Diced, yellow or red onions)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced, always fresh for best results)
- 1 Bell Pepper (Diced, mix colors for appeal)
- 1 Tomato (Chopped, fresh preferred)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Replace with coriander for milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Regular paprika can be smoother)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Fresh oregano is fine)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (Always season according to taste)
- 1 can Chickpeas (Packed with protein and fiber)
- 1 can Cannellini Beans (Can be swapped with lentils)
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water (Broth enhances flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Lime juice is a fine substitute)
- to garnish Fresh Parsley or Mint (Basil can work well too)
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, around 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot.
- Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomato, spinach, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Allow this mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, add the rinsed rice to the pot and mix it well with the vegetable mixture.
- Cook for another minute to toast the rice lightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is done, stir in the chickpeas and cannellini beans.
- Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, take the pot off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or mint.
Notes
This dish is easy to make and packed with nutrition. Feel free to customize with different beans or spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg