Description
Hearty Italian classic Escarole and Beans delivers rustic comfort with simple, soul-warming ingredients. Tender greens and creamy beans create a Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head escarole, washed and chopped
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can cannellini beans, rinsed
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
Serving Ingredients:
- Toasted Italian bread slices
- Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Instructions
- Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-low temperature, gently introducing minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to release their aromatic essence.
- Allow the garlic to develop a delicate golden hue, then carefully incorporate drained cannellini beans and fragrant chicken stock, allowing the mixture to softly bubble and meld flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
- Gradually fold in roughly chopped escarole leaves, ensuring they are nestled into the liquid, then securely cover the pot to steam and tenderize the greens for 12-15 minutes, monitoring their desired texture and wilting.
- Once the escarole reaches a silky, slightly collapsed consistency and beans are creamy, remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes.
- Enhance the dish with a generous cascade of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and accompany with crusty, lightly toasted Italian bread slices for an authentic and comforting meal that celebrates rustic Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- Gently sweat garlic to prevent burning, watching for a light golden color that releases aromatic flavors without bitterness.
- Use fresh cannellini beans when possible for a creamier texture, but canned beans work perfectly as a quick alternative.
- Choose tender, light green escarole leaves for a milder flavor, avoiding bitter outer dark green leaves if you prefer a softer taste profile.
- Transform this dish into a gluten-free
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg