Mediterranean Rice and Beans
A wholesome dish featuring vibrant flavors and textures, Mediterranean rice and beans is nutritious and easy to prepare, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice Rinsed under cold water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas Drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans Drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
- 2 cups vegetable broth Can soak rice in broth for added flavor
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by rinsing the brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in sliced zucchini, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed brown rice to the pot and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 35 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, incorporate the drained chickpeas and kidney beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice and bean mixture with a fork.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
This dish is versatile and can be served as a main, side, or snack. Experiment with different vegetables and spices for variation. Great for meal prep and leftovers can be used in various recipes.