Escarole and Beans

If you’re looking for a simple yet heartwarming dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort, Escarole and Beans is it! This Italian classic is the kind of meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Picture this: tender escarole sautéed to perfection, combined with creamy white beans, all simmered together in a savory broth that’s both light and satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening, or to serve as a delicious side to accompany any main course. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on the earthy goodness of escarole and beans.

Why You’ll Love Escarole and Beans

This dish is so much more than just its ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, comfort, and nutrition. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Quick and Easy:

With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, Escarole and Beans is super simple to make—no need for any complicated techniques. It’s one of those recipes you can throw together in no time.

Full of Flavor:

Even though the ingredient list is short, this dish is packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth makes for a savory, comforting base that pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the escarole and the creaminess of the beans.

Healthy and Hearty:

Escarole and beans are not only delicious, but they also make for a healthy, satisfying meal. Full of fiber, vitamins, and protein, it’s a dish that’s good for both your body and soul.

Versatile:

This dish can be served on its own for a light meal, or you can pair it with your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or sausages. You can even add some pasta or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to make it even more filling.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 8 cups escarole, washed and chopped
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, such as cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a heartier flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this hearty, comforting dish? Let’s dive right in!

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. If you’re adding red pepper flakes, toss them in now and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 2: Add the Escarole

Add the chopped escarole to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook the escarole for 3-4 minutes, until it wilts down and becomes tender. You might need to add it in batches depending on the size of your pot, as it shrinks down as it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

Once the escarole is cooked down, add the beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the beans are evenly distributed and the escarole is coated with the broth.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything is heated through, add a splash of lemon juice (if desired) to brighten up the flavors. Stir, then serve warm! This dish is perfect on its own or as a side to your favorite protein. If you want to add a little extra richness, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 80% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 10% of the Daily Value
Iron: 15% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Escarole and Beans

This dish is simple, yet it pairs perfectly with many sides and mains:

With Crusty Bread:

Serve your escarole and beans with a slice of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the broth and making the meal even more satisfying.

Over Pasta:

For a heartier meal, serve the escarole and beans over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne. The sauce from the broth soaks into the pasta, making every bite flavorful.

With Grilled Meat or Sausages:

This dish also works beautifully alongside grilled chicken, sausages, or roasted pork. The rich, savory beans complement the protein, creating a balanced and hearty meal.

With a Sprinkle of Parmesan:

Top your escarole and beans with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added boost of flavor and creaminess.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Escarole: If possible, use fresh escarole instead of frozen. The texture and flavor will be much better, especially in this dish.
• Make it Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly as long as you use vegetable broth. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative if you prefer.
• Leftovers: Leftover escarole and beans can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or white beans to the dish for extra protein.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other greens instead of escarole?

A1: Yes! You can use other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Q2: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

A2: Yes! Canned beans work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: Yes! This dish reheats well and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze Escarole and Beans?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stovetop.

Q5: What can I use if I don’t have vegetable broth?

A5: You can use chicken broth or even water in place of vegetable broth if needed, though vegetable broth gives the best flavor.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add in vegetables like carrots, onions, or celery to the sauté along with the garlic for added flavor and texture.

Q7: How do I make this spicier?

A7: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers to heat things up. You can also drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Q8: How do I make this dish gluten-free?

A8: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the broth and any toppings you use (like Parmesan) are gluten-free.

Q9: Can I serve this as a main course?

A9: Absolutely! This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially if you pair it with bread or pasta.

Q10: Can I make this dish with frozen escarole?

A10: Fresh escarole is ideal, but if frozen is all you have, just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the pot.

Conclusion

Escarole and Beans is one of those dishes that’s simple, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s light yet satisfying, and it can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the meal, this recipe is a keeper. Try it out, and let it bring a little bit of warmth to your kitchen. Enjoy!

Print