Save Creamy cannellini beans simmered with fragrant garlic and tossed with hearty winter greens for a nourishing rustic dish perfect for chilly days.
I first made this garlicky beans and greens dish on a particularly cold evening when I wanted something both wholesome and warming. The fragrant garlic paired with tender greens has become a winter staple in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves thinly sliced
- Cannellini beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans drained and rinsed or 3 cups cooked beans
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
- Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Winter greens (kale Swiss chard or collard greens): 6 cups tough stems removed leaves chopped
- Low-sodium vegetable broth (or water): 1/2 cup
- Lemon zest and juice: of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish
- Extra olive oil: for drizzling
Instructions
- Sauté garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and just turning golden.
- Warm beans:
- Stir in cannellini beans crushed red pepper flakes salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes stirring gently.
- Add greens:
- Add chopped greens and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes stirring occasionally until greens are wilted and tender.
- Reduce liquid:
- Remove lid and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
- Add lemon:
- Stir in lemon zest and juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve:
- Transfer to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with parsley and drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.
Save We love gathering around the table with this comforting bean dish especially since it pleases everyone from young to old. It's perfect for sharing on cool nights with toasted bread.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid chefs knife cutting board wooden spoon
Allergen Information
This recipe contains none of the major allergens but check labels on store-bought broth or beans for potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides around 210 calories 6 g total fat 32 g carbohydrates and 9 g protein making it light yet satisfying.
Save Enjoy these garlicky beans with your favorite rustic bread or as a vibrant side to your next Mediterranean-inspired meal. Simple wholesome and incredibly satisfying.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What beans work best with winter greens?
Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture that pairs well with hearty greens like kale, collards, or Swiss chard. Navy or great northern beans can be good substitutes.
- → How do I avoid mushy beans when cooking?
Gently stir beans during cooking and avoid smashing them to maintain their shape and texture in the dish.
- → Can I use fresh instead of cooked beans?
Yes, freshly cooked beans work well; just ensure they are tender before adding to the greens to ensure even cooking.
- → What is the purpose of lemon zest and juice?
Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish by adding fresh acidity, balancing the richness of the beans and garlic.
- → How long should I cook the winter greens?
Cook the greens covered for about 5–7 minutes until wilted and tender, then uncovered for a few minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
- → What oils are best for sautéing garlic?
Extra virgin olive oil complements the garlic with a subtle fruitiness and withstands gentle sautéing well.