Greens & Beans are fortifying, warm, simple and delicious. Comfort food at its finest!
The magic of food…
We live in Central New York, but tonight we’re dining in ‘Nonna’s kitchen’ on a large hand-crafted farm-table in a stunning villa which stands at the heart of an estate on a Tuscan hilltop.
That is what ‘Greens & Beans’ says to me.
Probably the greatest luxury that food affords us is the chance to escape to anyplace in the world, anytime we want, from the comforts of home.
This warm rustic earthy dish conjures up images of mothers and grandmothers making satisfying food using minimal ingredients.
Dishes like this that include escarole or iceberg lettuce aka greens, white northern beans, garlic, and olive oil make for meals that fall under the heading ‘vegetarian super foods’. Leafy greens and beans fall into this category, with olive oil and garlic not too far behind…
I’ve had this recipe tucked away for many many years. Long ago I took a cooking class with an instructor who was the chef of a local Italian restaurant. This eatery was quite the hotspot during my childhood so when I had the chance to learn some of their recipes and master dishes that were familiar and comforting, the kinds of meals we ate in my Italian home, I was all over it.
Greens & Beans makes for a great side-dish as well as entree. A great ‘go-to’ dish, it’s fortifying, cozy, simple and delicious. Once your greens are boiled, the rest is prepared in just one pan. It doesn’t get any easier.
Sure to please any hungry crowd, Greens & Beans is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand! #MeatlessMonday
Buon Appetito!
Ciao!
PrintGreens & Beans
- Category: Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 heads Escarole or Iceberg Lettuce (outer leaves only, thick stems removed)
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. garlic, chopped fine
- 1 (16 oz.) can white northern beans
- Cracked black pepper
- Grated Romano cheese
Instructions
- Wash and cut greens.
- Boil greens in salted water until almost limp, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- In the meantime, heat the oil and garlic on low until garlic just begins to brown.
- Transfer greens to the frying pan containing the oil and garlic.
- Add the beans.
- Cook over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Add black pepper and cheese, to taste.
- Serve.
If you like cooking with greens…check these out:
Wilted Greens & Crispy Eggs with Gremolata and Hot Tomato Oil
Focaccia with Lemony Greens & Parmesan
Rigatoni with Greens, Gorgonzola & Walnuts
Baked Greens with a Crusty Crumb Topping
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
I love the simplicity and flavors of this salad! I think ice berg is becoming a forgotten lettuce (maybe its just me) but I love how cool and crisp it is, its a nice contract to the velvety beans. Pinned. Take care. 🙂
Annie says
That is so true…time to bring the iceberg back! Thanks, Stacey!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
What a lovely dish! So easy, healthy and packed full of flavor! Delicious!
Annie says
Thank you, Kathy! One of my favorites!