Rocky’S Rice & Beans

Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
Hearty Italian-inspired rice and bean skillet with rich tomato sauce and fresh basil
Rocky's Rice & Beans recipe image

This comforting dish transforms simple pantry staples into a flavorful, hearty meal. The base of creamy cannellini beans melds perfectly with a slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic and fresh sweet basil. Olive oil adds a smooth richness, while the rice absorbs the savory juices, creating a satisfying texture that is both rustic and elegant. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, offering a wholesome, plant-based option that is deeply satisfying. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the beans to shine through. Serve it as a main course for a quick yet impressive dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, budget-friendly, and delicious meal that comes together in under an hour.

Rocky’S Rice & Beans

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 148.2

Description

This comforting dish transforms simple pantry staples into a flavorful, hearty meal. The base of creamy cannellini beans melds perfectly with a slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic and fresh sweet basil. Olive oil adds a smooth richness, while the rice absorbs the savory juices, creating a satisfying texture that is both rustic and elegant. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, offering a wholesome, plant-based option that is deeply satisfying. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the beans to shine through. Serve it as a main course for a quick yet impressive dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, budget-friendly, and delicious meal that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Cook rice according to package instructions until tender; set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic to the oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in the canned tomato sauce and stir to combine with the garlic and oil.
  5. Season the sauce with salt and fresh sweet basil, stirring well.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then add them to the simmering sauce.
  8. Continue cooking on low heat for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  9. Fold the cooked rice into the bean and tomato mixture until evenly coated.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1


Amount Per Serving
Calories 148.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.8g9%
Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 99293.6mg4138%
Total Carbohydrate 21.0g8%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g24%
Sugars 13.2g
Protein 5.7g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

*Cannellini beans are also known as white kidney beans. You can substitute with Great Northern beans or navy beans if needed.

For a heartier meal, you can serve this over pasta instead of rice. Small shell pasta works particularly well with the texture of the beans.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if unavailable, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil can be used, added earlier in the cooking process.

Keywords: italian, rice, beans, cannellini, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, vegan, easy dinner, one pot, comfort food, plant based, skillet meal, healthy, quick, budget friendly, side dish, main course, olive oil
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