7 Reasons to Love This Easy Kale & Green Beans Rice Bowl (Healthy, Flavor-Packed & Quick!)
Looking for an easy, healthy dinner idea? This Kale & Green Beans Rice Bowl with Gigante Beans, Mirin, and Olive Oil is a 20-minute, plant-powered meal bursting with flavor and freshness.
Ingredients
? For the Rice & Beans
- 1 cup jasmine or short-grain rice — fluffy soft base for the bowl
- 1 can 15 oz Trader Joe’s Gigante Beans — drained and rinsed; creamy and rich
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth — for cooking the rice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt — to season the rice lightly
? For the Sautéed Kale & Green Beans
- 1 bunch kale about 6 cups, chopped, stems removed — hearty, dark leafy greens
- 1½ cups green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces — crisp-tender freshness
- 1 rib celery finely sliced — adds aromatic depth
- 1 small onion thinly sliced — for sweetness and flavor foundation
- 3 cloves garlic minced — for that irresistible aroma
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil — rich and smooth cooking base
- 2 tablespoons mirin — adds subtle sweetness and glaze
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or sesame seeds for garnish
? For Serving
- Drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil — for finishing
- Lemon wedges or a splash of tamari — optional to brighten flavors
Instructions
Make the Rice Base
- In a pot or rice cooker, cook your favorite rice as usual. When nearly done, stir in a can of Trader Joe’s Gigante Beans (drained and rinsed). Let the heat of the rice warm the beans gently — this creates a creamy, protein-rich base that’s naturally satisfying.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. This forms your flavor foundation.
Add the Veggies
- Toss in green beans, celery, and kale. Stir often until the beans turn a vibrant green and the kale wilts into silky ribbons.
Season & Deglaze
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and any favorite seasonings. Pour in a splash of mirin to deglaze the pan — it’ll lift the caramelized bits and coat the veggies with a sweet-savory glaze.
Serve
- Spoon the Gigante Bean Rice into bowls, top generously with the sautéed kale and green beans, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve warm, maybe with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of tamari for an umami kick.