Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens is a delightful dish bursting with flavor and nutrients. This vibrant meal combines tender cannellini beans with fresh greens and aromatic herbs, offering a rich, savory experience that warms the soul. It’s not just a dish; it’s an embrace on a plate, perfect for those crisp evenings when you crave something hearty yet healthy. This recipe features a straightforward step-by-step approach, promising ease even for beginner cooks. You’ll find that once you make it, you’ll want to revisit the flavors time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean White Beans & Greens recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. The minimal ingredient list means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen, making it a great option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike. It’s incredibly family-friendly; kids love the creamy texture of the beans, while adults appreciate the fragrant herbaceous notes. Additionally, this dish can be on your table in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it on its own or alongside crusty bread, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

To create this Mediterranean masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A rich base that adds depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and essential for flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful, they form the heart of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Earthy and aromatic.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick.
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy, nutty, and full of protein.
• 1 small head escarole, chopped (or substitute spinach or kale): Adds a lovely freshness and vibrant color.
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water: Helps to bring everything together.
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano, for serving: Rich and nutty, perfect for finishing the dish.
• Crusty bread or cooked ditalini pasta, optional: Ideal sides to soak up the delicious juices.

Step-by-Step Directions for Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will serve as the foundation for the aromatic flavors.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant.

3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, alongside the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld.

4. Add Beans and Greens: Pour in the rinsed cannellini beans and chopped escarole. Don’t forget the vegetable broth; pour it in and give everything a good stir to combine.

5. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step helps the greens wilt and the flavors blend beautifully.

6. Serve Hot: Once ready, serve the dish hot, topped with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. For added texture, pair it with crusty bread or toss it with cooked ditalini pasta for a heartier meal.

Tips & Tricks

Every chef has their secrets, and here are a few of mine for enhancing your Mediterranean White Beans & Greens:

• Add Depth with Additional Veggies: Feel free to toss in other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more robust dish.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving brightens up the flavors remarkably.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are always a welcome addition; consider parsley or thyme to further elevate the dish.
• Bean Varieties: While cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other types like navy or chickpeas for different textures.
• Serving Size: Adjust the ingredient quantities to cater to larger gatherings, and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Mediterranean White Beans & Greens is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides. For a complete meal, serve it alongside crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the savory sauce. Alternatively, adding cooked ditalini pasta not only makes the dish more filling but also adds a delightful chewiness. For a unique twist, consider serving it over a bed of quinoa or couscous. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light salad of arugula with lemon vinaigrette can complement the dish beautifully, adding freshness and a crunchy contrast.

Nutritional Information

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens offers a healthy balance of calories and nutrients. A one-cup serving typically contains around 350 calories, with a generous boost of fiber thanks to the beans and greens. You also get a good amount of protein, healthy fats from the olive oil, and essential vitamins and minerals. For a heartier meal, you can enjoy it with pasta or bread, but remember that this dish is naturally rich in nutrients, making it ideal for a wholesome diet.

Storing Tips & Variations for Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

This dish is perfect for meal prep! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it seems dry. If you want to get creative, consider swapping the greens for kale or spinach, or even experimenting with different beans for varied texture and flavor. For a healthier twist, use whole-grain pasta or opt for a gluten-free version depending on your dietary preferences.

Conclusion for Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens is a dish that should not be missed. Its delightful blend of flavors and nutrients makes it a staple for anyone looking to enjoy hearty, wholesome food. By following this recipe, you’ll create a nourishing meal that can easily become a family favorite. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients today and indulge in this easy and delicious dish!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh or dried beans can be used, but they will require soaking and longer cooking times.

2. Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan if you omit the cheese topping.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

4. What other greens can I use?
Spinach or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes for escarole and can enhance the flavor and texture.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat, or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished dish before serving.

Print Recipe

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens

A delightful dish bursting with flavor and nutrients, this Mediterranean masterpiece combines tender cannellini beans with fresh greens and aromatic herbs for a rich, savory experience.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Vegetarian

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Easy Dinner, Healthy Recipe, Quick Recipe, Vegetarian Meal, White Beans

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil A rich base that adds depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and essential for flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For those who like a little heat.

Main Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes Juicy and flavorful, they form the heart of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Classic Mediterranean flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil Earthy and aromatic.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds a gentle kick.
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Creamy, nutty, and full of protein.
• 1 small head escarole, chopped (or substitute spinach or kale) Adds a lovely freshness and vibrant color.
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water Helps to bring everything together.

To Serve

• to taste Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Rich and nutty, perfect for finishing the dish.
• as needed Crusty bread or cooked ditalini pasta, optional Ideal sides to soak up the delicious juices.

Instructions

Preparation

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the can of diced tomatoes along with the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Add the rinsed cannellini beans and chopped escarole. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
• Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Notes

Feel free to toss in other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more robust dish. A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens up flavors. Adjust ingredient quantities to cater to larger gatherings.