Ever since I discovered the magic of Mediterranean cuisine, I’ve been obsessed with creating dishes that are both comforting and vibrant. One of my absolute favorites is this Mediterranean Rice and Beans recipe. It’s a dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of beans with the aromatic flavors of Mediterranean herbs and spices. I remember the first time I made it: the kitchen filled with a delightful aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and by the time I served it, everyone at the table couldn’t stop smiling. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my home because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying.
You will love this recipe because it combines simplicity with rich flavor. Every bite is packed with the earthy taste of beans, the subtle nuttiness of rice, and the freshness of Mediterranean herbs. It’s perfect for both lunch and dinner, and it’s one of those dishes that feels like it took hours to prepare, even though it’s quick and straightforward.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a main dish, or pair it with grilled vegetables, chicken, or fish for a complete meal. It works well as a side dish for family dinners, or as a meal prep option for busy weekdays. You can also adjust the seasonings to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Another great thing about this dish is its affordability. The ingredients are simple, widely available, and budget-friendly. You don’t need expensive or hard-to-find items to create a meal that feels gourmet and satisfying.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Rice and Beans:
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1 cup long-grain rice
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1 can (15 oz) beans of your choice, drained and rinsed
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
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Optional: cherry tomatoes or olives for extra flavor
This Mediterranean Rice and Beans recipe is a true representation of how simple ingredients can come together to create something nourishing, flavorful, and satisfying.
Preparing this Mediterranean Rice and Beans recipe is straightforward, and the process fills your kitchen with enticing aromas that make cooking a joy. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
How to Prepare Mediterranean Rice and Beans
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Prepare the ingredients: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside. Open and drain the beans, then rinse them thoroughly. Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. If using cherry tomatoes or olives, slice them as needed.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add the spices: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
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Cook the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir it into the vegetables and spices. Toast the rice lightly for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking.
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Add the liquid: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
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Simmer: Let the rice cook covered for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. After 15 minutes, gently stir in the beans and cover again. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
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Final touches: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and allows the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
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Garnish and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Add cherry tomatoes or olives if desired for extra flavor and color.
This recipe is quick and easy, taking under 40 minutes from start to finish. You can also customize it by adding roasted vegetables, turkey bacon crumbles, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.
Mediterranean Rice and Beans is popular with many people because it’s satisfying, nutritious, and full of flavor without being heavy. It works well as a main dish, a side dish, or a meal prep option, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
PrintEasy Mediterranean Rice & Beans: Vegetarian Delight
This Mediterranean Rice and Beans recipe is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines tender rice with hearty beans and vibrant Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (15 oz) beans of your choice, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Optional: cherry tomatoes or olives for extra flavor
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Drain and rinse the beans. Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Slice cherry tomatoes or olives if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and red bell pepper; cook for 2–3 minutes while stirring.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with spices and vegetables. Toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Gently stir in beans, cover again, and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and season with salt and black pepper.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and optional cherry tomatoes or olives before serving.
Notes
Customize with roasted vegetables, turkey bacon, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
For a creamier texture, stir in a small amount of olive oil or vegan butter after cooking.
Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! You can use black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, or a mix. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the rice.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store the rice and beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Mediterranean Rice and Beans freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced fresh chili while sautéing the vegetables to give it some heat.
6. Can I cook this in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can. Sauté the aromatics and spices first, then add them to the rice cooker with rice, beans, and broth. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
7. Can I add protein?
For extra protein, add turkey bacon, chicken ham, or grilled chicken pieces. These pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.