Mediterranean Rice & Beans Recipe for Busy Nights
A hearty, one-pot Mediterranean Rice & Beans recipe packed with flavor, protein, and fiber. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone following the Mediterranean diet.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice basmati or jasmine, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ –½ teaspoon chili flakes optional, to taste
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained (fire-roasted optional)
- 2 cups cooked beans chickpeas, cannellini, or kidney, rinsed and drained
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: baby spinach, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts.
Instructions
Prep the base
- Rinse rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- Rinse and drain beans. Chop onion, garlic, and parsley. Zest and juice the lemon.
Cook aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sauté onion with a pinch of salt for 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Toast spices 30 seconds.
Toast the rice
- Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat in spiced oil.
Simmer
- Stir in broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low simmer.
- Cover and cook 12–15 minutes (basmati) or 15–18 minutes (jasmine) until rice is tender.
Add beans & finish
- Fold in beans (and spinach if using). Remove from heat. Cover and rest 5–8 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, then add lemon zest, juice, and parsley. Adjust seasoning.
Serve
- Garnish with parsley, feta, or pine nuts. Serve warm with salad or pita bread.
Notes
- Rice Options: Basmati = fluffy, Jasmine = soft, Brown = nutty (cook longer).
- Make Ahead: Store in fridge 4 days, freeze up to 2 months.
- Vegan: Use veggie broth and skip cheese.
- Protein Boost: Add extra beans or pair with grilled chicken/fish.
- Texture Fix: If rice is too soft, spread on baking sheet and bake 7 minutes at 400°F to dry slightly.