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Kidney Beans and Rice Skillet with Shawarma Spices

Kidney Beans and Rice Skillet with Shawarma Spices


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Busy nights need bold flavor, not fuss. This one-pan Kidney Beans and Rice Skillet with Shawarma Spices gives you all the cozy, takeout-style vibes in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Fluffy rice, hearty kidney beans, and a warm, aromatic spice blend come together in a single skillet for an easy dinner that tastes way more special than the effort it takes. It’s perfect when you’re hunting for quick breakfast leftovers the next day, easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights, or healthy-ish comfort food that still feels satisfying. This easy recipe is packed with protein, family-friendly, and ideal for anyone looking for no-stress food ideas and flavorful dinner ideas without turning on the oven.


Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion finely chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

1 cup long grain white or basmati rice rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed

2 and 1/4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom optional

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste

3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about 1/2 lemon

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus more for serving

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional

1 tablespoon butter optional


Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and lightly golden around the edges.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

3. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, cayenne, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds so the spices toast and become very fragrant.

4. Add the rinsed and drained rice and the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well so every grain of rice is coated in the spiced oil and tomato paste, then cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

5. Pour in the broth and add the kidney beans. Stir, scraping along the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.

8. Remove the lid and add the lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and butter if using. Fluff gently with a fork until the herbs and butter are evenly distributed.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra herbs or your favorite toppings such as Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini.

Notes

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear before cooking; skipping this step can make the rice turn sticky and clump instead of staying fluffy and separate in the skillet.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 620
  • Fat: 11
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 67
  • Fiber: 9
  • Protein: 14
  • Cholesterol: 5