Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., Basmati or Jasmine), rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 English cucumber, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan), extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and ground cumin to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to toast the grains slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and gently fluff with a fork. Stir in the rinsed and drained chickpeas and the undrained diced tomatoes. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to warm through.
- Gently fold in the diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and fresh mint.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and extra lemon wedges for an added tang.
Notes
For an extra boost of flavor, toast the rice slightly before adding broth, allowing the grains to develop a nutty aroma. This dish is excellent served chilled as a vibrant salad too, perfect for meal prep! You can add grilled chicken or pan-seared fish for additional protein, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg