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White Bean and Pesto Bake Recipe

White Bean and Pesto Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

This White Bean and Pesto Bake is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender cannellini beans, long grain brown rice, fresh pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Baked to perfection and topped with crispy panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a comforting texture and rich taste that’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready when you prepare the dish.
  2. Heat the Broth: Microwave the vegetable broth on high for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a rolling boil; this will help cook the rice evenly in the baking dish.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, mix together the brown rice, rinsed cannellini beans, ⅓ cup pesto, ¼ teaspoon salt, and halved cherry tomatoes until well blended.
  4. Add Hot Broth: Carefully pour the boiling vegetable broth over the mixture in the baking dish and stir gently to incorporate the liquid throughout the ingredients.
  5. Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 75 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and everything to cook through.
  6. Check and Finish Baking if Needed: Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam) and check if there is any remaining liquid. If there is, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the liquid evaporates.
  7. Add Topping and Broil: Sprinkle the panko crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the baked dish. Place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Optionally, add extra pesto on top before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds.
  • You can use homemade or store-bought pesto depending on your preference.
  • Make sure to rinse and drain the beans to reduce excess sodium and improve texture.
  • Broil topping carefully to avoid burning; watch it closely for the best golden color.
  • This dish tastes great served warm and pairs well with a simple green salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: White bean bake, pesto recipe, vegetarian casserole, brown rice bake, easy casserole, healthy one-dish meal, Italian vegetarian dish

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