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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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