Description
A hearty and comforting recipe featuring tender escarole and creamy cannellini beans simmered with garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes. This savory dish is perfect as a warm side or a light vegetarian main course, highlighting simple ingredients with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large head escarole, chopped, washed and dried
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth, divided
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beans
- 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a large pot over medium heat and allow it to warm up.
- Sauté aromatics: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion, chopped garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic becomes fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook escarole: Add the chopped escarole and half of the broth (3/4 cup) to the pot. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes until the escarole has completely wilted, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add beans and broth: Remove the cover, pour in the remaining broth (3/4 cup) along with the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the escarole and beans warm, optionally accompanied by crusty bread, extra red pepper flakes, fresh parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and skip the parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Be sure to wash escarole thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt trapped in the leaves.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before cooking uncovered.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
