The Heartiest Mediterranean White Beans & Greens Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful mediterranean white beans & greens dish promises comfort and zest in every single bite.

Mediterranean cuisine brings simple ingredients together with magical alchemy.

Rustic traditions shine through this humble yet elegant preparation.

Nutritious beans blend seamlessly with tender greens, creating a symphony of flavors.

Fresh herbs and quality olive oil elevate the entire experience.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and character to this classic Mediterranean staple.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that celebrates wholesome ingredients.

Beans and Greens That Hit All the Notes

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich cannellini beans and nutrient-dense escarole, this dish delivers a healthy punch of vitamins and minerals in one delicious meal.
• Simplify Cooking Process: With just one skillet and basic ingredients, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy Mediterranean-style dish without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile recipe allows endless variations – serve over pasta, alongside crusty bread, or enjoy as a standalone hearty stew that adapts to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Minimal prep work and cooking time make this a perfect solution for busy families seeking a flavorful, wholesome dinner that comes together faster than takeout.

Mediterranean Bean and Greens Ingredient Guide

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that provides rich flavor and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that add protein and a smooth texture to the dish.
• Escarole: A tender, slightly bitter green that provides nutrients and depth to the recipe.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base and helps cook the greens.

• Garlic, Onion: Classic flavor builders that form the foundational taste of the Mediterranean dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Oregano, Basil: Bring a classic Mediterranean flavor and brightness to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: A sharp, aged cheese that provides a salty and umami finish.
• Crusty Bread or Ditalini Pasta: Optional serving suggestions to make the dish more substantial.

How to Make This Hearty Greens Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic, chopped onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Let them dance and sizzle together, softening and releasing their aromatic magic for about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a rich sauce for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Bring in the Beans and Greens

Add cannellini beans and chopped escarole to the skillet. Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and gently stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Cover the skillet and let the ingredients simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the greens to wilt beautifully and the flavors to blend seamlessly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your Mediterranean creation hot. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top.

Serve alongside crusty bread or mix into ditalini pasta for a complete meal that transports you to the sunny Mediterranean coast.

Tips That Help With Beans and Greens

• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch for a cleaner, fresher taste.
• Toast herbs and spices briefly in olive oil before adding other ingredients to release their aromatic oils and intensify the overall taste.
• Chop escarole into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent stringy texture, ensuring each spoonful has balanced greens and beans.
• Replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor while maintaining protein content.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, starting with a pinch and gradually increasing for desired warmth.

Fresh Styles of Mediterranean Greenss

• Spicy Chorizo Boost: Replace vegetable broth with chicken stock and add sliced Spanish chorizo for a smoky, protein-packed version.
• Greek-Style Makeover: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh dill for a Mediterranean flavor explosion.
• One-Pot Quinoa Bowl: Replace escarole with kale and stir in cooked quinoa during the final simmer for a complete protein-rich meal.
• Tuscan Bean Casserole: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake until golden and crispy.

Pairing Suggestions With Beans and Greens Plate

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the earthy beans and bright tomato flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Serve alongside Greek Kalamata Olives: Salty, tangy olives enhance the Mediterranean profile, adding depth and complementary texture to the white bean recipe.
• Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil intensifies the herbal notes, bringing out the oregano and basil while adding a luxurious finish to the beans and greens.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Hearty, slightly tangy bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Best Way to Store These Hearty Greens

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Beans and greens maintain best texture when frozen separately.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add extra broth if needed. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• What are cannellini beans?

Cannellini beans are white Italian kidney beans with a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

• Can I substitute escarole with another green?

Yes, you can easily replace escarole with kale, Swiss chard, or spinach while maintaining a similar nutritional profile and cooking method.

• Is this recipe vegetarian and gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be gluten-free if you serve it with gluten-free bread or pasta, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

• How nutritious are white beans?

White beans are protein-packed, high in fiber, rich in minerals like iron and magnesium, and provide excellent plant-based nutrition with low fat content.

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean White Beans & Greens dance with rustic charm on your plate, bringing together wholesome ingredients from sun-drenched landscapes. Rich herb-infused flavors and creamy beans invite you to explore a delightful culinary journey through Mediterranean traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Proteins:

• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Greens:

• 1 small head escarole, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes

Oils, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water

Serving Options:

• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (for serving)
• Crusty bread or cooked ditalini pasta (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, introducing minced garlic, diced onions, and red pepper flakes. Allow ingredients to soften and release aromatic flavors for approximately 3 minutes.
2. Incorporate diced tomatoes with dried oregano, fresh basil, seasoning, and cracked pepper. Let mixture gently bubble and blend for 5 minutes, developing rich taste profiles.
3. Introduce cannellini beans and roughly chopped escarole into the simmering sauce. Pour vegetable broth, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly and create a harmonious liquid base.
4. Cover skillet and reduce heat, allowing contents to slowly simmer for 10 minutes. This process will wilt greens, tenderize beans, and marry complementary flavors throughout the dish.
5. Transfer to serving dishes, generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top. Accompany with rustic crusty bread or integrate the mixture with cooked ditalini pasta for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Make sure to drain and rinse cannellini beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
• Choose fresh escarole or swap with kale, Swiss chard, or spinach for variety and different nutrient profiles.
• Toast red pepper flakes briefly in olive oil before adding other ingredients to enhance their smoky, spicy flavor and release essential oils.
• For a vegan version, replace Parmigiano Reggiano with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain rich, umami taste.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg