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White Bean and Pesto Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This White Bean and Pesto Bake is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for a wholesome dinner. Made with nutrient-rich cannellini beans, long grain brown rice, fresh cherry tomatoes, and vibrant pesto, it is baked to perfection with a crispy Parmesan and panko topping. It combines Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying vegetarian dish that’s easy to prepare and serve.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup long grain brown rice
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • ⅓ cup pesto (plus more for topping, if desired)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes

Topping

  • ½ cup panko crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for the baking process.
  2. Heat the Broth: Warm the vegetable broth in the microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes until it reaches a boiling point, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the rice evenly in the baking dish.
  3. Combine Main Ingredients: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, mix together the brown rice, cannellini beans, pesto, salt, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Broth and Stir: Carefully pour the boiling vegetable broth over the rice mixture in the dish and stir again to combine all components well.
  5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and bake in the oven for 65-75 minutes. This step allows the rice to cook gently while absorbing the flavors.
  6. Check and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil to avoid steam burns and check for any remaining liquid. If liquid remains, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
  7. Add Topping and Broil: Sprinkle the panko crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the bake. Return the dish to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
  8. Serve: Optionally, add more pesto on top before serving to enhance the flavor profile and presentation.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Use homemade or store-bought pesto depending on availability; fresh basil pesto is recommended for best flavor.
  • Monitor the broiling step closely to prevent burning of the topping.
  • The bake can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
  • Adjust saltiness with precaution if using salted broth or cheese varieties.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/white-bean-and-pesto-bake-recipe/