Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (virgin)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 large carrots (chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the veggies: Start by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent – about 5 minutes. Once the onions are ready, toss in the garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. I’ve made the mistake of adding the garlic too early, and trust me, burnt garlic is not a flavor you want here! So, keep an eye on it and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften.
- Add the broth and beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens – the flavors start to meld together, and the broth becomes rich and fragrant.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the baby spinach during the last couple of minutes of cooking. You’ll see it wilt down quickly, turning a vibrant green. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the spinach is fully wilted.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it with crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious broth.
Notes
This Mediterranean chicken and rice dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re serving it to guests or just want to round out the meal, here are a few ideas. A side of warm, crusty bread is a must – it’s perfect for mopping up the flavorful broth. For a bit of freshness, you can serve it alongside a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish each bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner