Protein Packed Bean Rice
This simple yet delicious Bean Rice is a classic Portuguese comfort food, perfect for when I’m feeling a little homesick. Creamy, velvety, and packed with earthy umami flavors, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.Ready in under 40 minutes, this protein-rich dish is great as a post-workout meal or a flavourful side for a quick weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with many dishes, but I especially love it with my Vegan Courgette Fritters!Try this wholesome, plant-based favorite and bring a taste of Portugal to your table.
Equipment
- 1 pot 30x30 cm
Ingredients
- 1 Cup cooked Kidney Beans
- 1 Red Onion chopped
- 4 cloves of Garlic
- 1 tsp of Smoke Paprika
- 1 tsp of Cumin
- 1/2 tsp of Chilli Flakes optional
- 1 Tbsp of Tomato Puree
- 1 fresh Tomato chopped
- 1 Tbsp of Miso Paste
- 1/2 cup of Short Grain Brown Rice see notes in the bottom
- 1 cup of the Kidney Beans cooking water or water
- 1/2 cup of filtered water
- 1/4 cup of freshly cut Coriander or Parsley
- Freshly cracked Black Pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Chop the Red onions and Garlic. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. We aren’t using oil so add the diced Onions to the pan and cover with a lid to let it sweat for 1 min. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the pan then stir gently to coat with the water. The liquid will help prevent the onions from sticking and provide some moisture for cooking.
- Cook for 6-8 mins. Once the onions are cooked add the Garlic and keep stirring for 2 mins until fragrant. Add the Smoked Paprika, Cumin and Chilli Flakes if using. Stir for 1-2 mins then add the Tomato Puree, stir and let it cook for 2 mins.
- Now add the chopped Tomato and stir for 1-2 mins to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Add the Miso Paste and stir to coat.
- Add the cooked Beans and rice and stir to coat. Add the water from cooking the beans and filtered water. Let it simmer in a low burner until the rice is cooked, mine took 25 mins.
- Try your rice and top with freshly cracked Black Pepper and Salt to taste. Sprinkle with chopped Coriander or Parsley and a few drops of Lemon Juice to balance the flavours.
- Serve in a bowl or plate, top with more of the fresh herbs you have on hand and enjoy It. Try it with these Vegan Courgette Fritters.
Notes
I’m using short grain brown rice. Brown or wholegrain rice typically requires a longer cooking time compared to white rice. It can take about 40-50 minutes to cook until tender and be fully cooked. However you can soak the rice beforehand to reduce the cooking time or cook it in an Instant Pot. I soak my rice for 2 hours in warm water and reduce the cooking time to 30 mins. Alternatively you can use Arborio, Risotto or a medium grain white rice in this dish.