Greens and Beans
I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Greens and Beans. This dish is not only super tasty but also incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and healthy on the table fast. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite beans and greens. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up this deliciousness together!
For the ultimate Greens and Beans experience, I highly recommend pairing it with some Italian Crusty Bread or Sour Dough Bread. The combination of warm, creamy beans and flavorful greens serve with crusty bread is simply unbeatable. It’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices and adding an extra layer of texture to each bite.
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, another fantastic way to enjoy greens is with Utica Greens. This Italian-American dish takes hearty greens like escarole and kicks them up a notch with savory ingredients like prosciutto, cheese, and breadcrumbs. It’s a flavorful twist on greens that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. So whether you’re craving classic escarole & beans or feeling adventurous with Utica Greens, there’s no doubt you’re in for a tasty treat!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients for Greens and Beans
- 1 bunch escarole or kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth Or Chicken Stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Beans and Greens Recipe
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Add chopped escarole or Kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, vegetable or chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Once the kale is tender and the beans are heated through, remove from heat.
- Serve the Italian greens and beans hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook your greens, as they can quickly become limp and lose their vibrant color and nutrients. Cook them just until tender-crisp for the best results.
- Texture Contrast: Create contrast in your dishes by incorporating different textures. For example, add crunchy croutons or toasted nuts to a creamy bean soup or stew.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize recipes to suit your preferences. Swap out different varieties of beans or greens, adjust the seasonings, or add extra ingredients to make the dish your own.
- Balance the Meal: When serving greens and beans as a main dish, consider pairing them with complementary sides like crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to make it a well-rounded meal.
- Embrace Leftovers: Leftover beans and greens can be repurposed into delicious meals like salads, wraps, quesadillas, or omelets, so don’t let them go to waste!
- Versatility: Both kale and escarole work beautifully in this recipe. Feel free to use whichever greens you prefer or have on hand.
- Adding Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding a diced sausage or some pancetta when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- As a Soup: To turn this into a more soup-like dish, simply add more vegetable broth according to your preference and serve it as a hearty stew.
Are Greens and Beans A Healthy Meal
Greens: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and arugula are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories but high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full. Greens also contain vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium, which are important for overall health and well-being.
Beans: Beans, including varieties like black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, and lentils, are rich in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are also low in fat and cholesterol-free. Beans provide a good source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
FAQs about Beans and Greens
Greens and Beans
I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Greens and Beans. This dish is not only super tasty but also incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and healthy on the table fast. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite beans and greens. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up this deliciousness together!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch escarole or kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Add chopped escarole or Kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, vegetable or chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Once the kale is tender and the beans are heated through, remove from heat.
- Serve the Italian greens and beans hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 158Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 568mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 5g
