Go Back
Mediterranean rice and beans served on a blue plate with a fork, garnished with fresh herbs.
Layla

Mediterranean Rice and Beans

A hearty, sun-drenched bowl of tender rice and creamy white beans brightened with lemon, herbs, and good olive oil.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 342

Ingredients
  

Aromatics and Base
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
Rice and Beans
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
  • 15 oz cannellini beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth low sodium
Finish
  • 1 lemon zest and 2 tbsp juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 oz feta cheese crumbled, optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven (with lid)
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

Saute the Aromatics
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and just starting to turn golden at the edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not let the garlic brown.
Cook the Rice and Beans
  1. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil, cooking for 1 minute until the grains look slightly translucent at the tips. Pour in the broth and add the drained beans. Stir once, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  2. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt if needed - the broth and feta will add salt, so start conservatively.
Serve
  1. Transfer to shallow bowls and top with crumbled feta if using. Serve warm or at room temperature with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For deeper flavor, use a Parmesan rind in the simmering liquid and remove before serving. This dish reheats beautifully - add a splash of water when warming to restore the creamy texture. Serve with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or a simple green salad dressed with red wine vinegar.