White Bean Pesto Bake (Printer-Friendly Version)

A creamy white bean and pesto casserole with brown rice, cherry tomatoes, and a golden parmesan crust.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 480 ml vegetable broth
02 - 190 g long grain brown rice
03 - 1 (425 g) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
04 - 80 ml pesto (plus additional for topping if desired)
05 - 1.25 ml salt

→ Toppings

06 - 375 g halved cherry tomatoes
07 - 50 g panko breadcrumbs
08 - 25 g grated Parmesan cheese

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 190°C to ensure even cooking.
02 - Warm the vegetable broth in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes until boiling.
03 - In an 8×8 inch baking dish, combine brown rice, rinsed cannellini beans, pesto, salt, and gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes until evenly mixed.
04 - Pour the hot vegetable broth evenly over the mixture and stir to distribute all ingredients.
05 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60-65 minutes until rice is tender.
06 - Remove foil carefully to check for residual liquid; if present, bake uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow evaporation.
07 - Sprinkle panko crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top, then broil for a few minutes until golden brown. Optionally, add extra pesto before serving.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Use fresh tomatoes and high-quality pesto for optimal flavor. Keep an eye on the bake while broiling to prevent burning.