Ingredients
For the Pesto Rice
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Butter Beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup diced white onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (more if desired)
- Juice and zest of 1 small lemon
- Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto Rice: Use leftover or freshly cooked rice. In a medium bowl, combine the warm rice with pesto sauce, stirring until the pesto is evenly incorporated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions become soft and the mixture is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Butter Beans: Add drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet along with salt and red pepper flakes. Spread the beans out in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip or stir to brown the other sides. For crispier beans, add a little extra olive oil during this step.
- Add Tomatoes and Finish: Stir in the sliced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Turn off the heat, then stir in fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with more salt and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Plate a generous scoop of pesto rice and top with the tomato herb butter beans. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and additional lemon juice if preferred. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use leftover rice to save time and enhance flavor absorption of the pesto.
- For a crisper texture on butter beans, increase olive oil during browning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Pesto can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
- Fresh herbs significantly enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
