Name: Mediterranean White Beans & Greens
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 small Onion, diced; 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional); 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes; 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/2 tsp Dried Basil; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 2 cans (15 oz each) Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed; 1 small head Escarole, chopped (or use spinach/kale); 1/4 cup Vegetable Broth or Water; Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (for serving); Crusty Bread or Cooked Ditalini Pasta (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens is a delightfully flavorful dish that will tickle your taste buds and nourish your body! Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also boasts a vibrant medley of textures and tastes that your family will absolutely love. Did you know that Mediterranean cuisine is famed for its heart-healthy benefits? This dish is a perfect example, merging the creamy goodness of cannellini beans with the fresh crunch of greens. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to impress! If you’ve tried our Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry, you’ll find this dish just as satisfying and perfect for any occasion.

What is Mediterranean White Beans & Greens?

So, what’s in a name? Think of Mediterranean White Beans & Greens—it sounds fancy, but trust me, it’s as approachable as your favorite pair of jeans! It’s called that because it combines the distinctly fabulous flavors of the Mediterranean with hearty, nutritious white beans and vibrant greens. Ever heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” Well, with this dish, you might just win that heart over! Imagine a meal that bewilders your taste buds but is shockingly simple to whip up. So why not give it a go? You might just find yourself craving it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This

There are many reasons to fall head over heels for Mediterranean White Beans & Greens. First and foremost, it’s bursting with flavor! Imagine the creamy texture of cannellini beans mingling with the fresh zest of chopped escarole and sun-kissed tomatoes—your taste buds will dance! Second, making this dish at home won’t break the bank! A quick trip to the store is all you need for affordable, accessible ingredients. Finally, let’s not forget the comforting toppings! A sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano adds that mouth-watering finishing touch that elevates this dish to restaurant-level dining. If you enjoyed our Simple Lentil Soup, this Mediterranean recipe will quickly become another favorite!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making Mediterranean White Beans & Greens is as easy as pie (or should we say, beans?). This one-pot dish takes just about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its heartwarming flavors and feel-good ingredients, you’ll feel satisfied without the guilt!

Ingredients

To make this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 small head escarole, chopped (or use spinach/kale)
1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (for serving)
Crusty bread or cooked ditalini pasta (optional)

Step-by-Step

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally until softened (about 3 minutes).
Add the Spice: If you want a kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, then stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Beans and Greens: Toss in the drained cannellini beans and chopped escarole, stirring to combine.
Liquid Magic: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, mixing everything together.
Cover and Simmer: Cover the pan and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. The greens will wilt, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Serve Hot: Serve your dish hot, topped with a generous amount of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. For a complete meal, enjoy it with crusty bread or mix it into cooked ditalini pasta!

What to Serve Mediterranean White Beans & Greens With

This Mediterranean gem shines on its own, but it loves some company! Pair it with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You might also enjoy it with some garlic bread to soak up all those flavorful juices. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not serve it alongside a dollop of tzatziki sauce? The creamy yogurt and cucumber blend complements the dish beautifully!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Want to nail this Mediterranean masterpiece? Here are some tips! First, for a heartier version, feel free to add diced carrots or zucchini when sautéing the onions. But remember, fresh greens are essential—don’t skip them! If you’re short on time, canned beans work wonders, but always rinse them well. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering process; it allows those fantastic flavors to explode!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store your Mediterranean White Beans & Greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe bags and enjoy within 2 months. When reheating, either warm it in a saucepan on low heat or pop it in the microwave for a quick way to relive that deliciousness!

FAQs

Can I use other beans? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with chickpeas or kidney beans if you prefer.
Is this recipe vegan? Yes! It’s entirely plant-based unless you add cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Just skip the ditalini pasta and enjoy it on its own.

Conclusion

Mediterranean White Beans & Greens is a wonderful, flavor-packed dish that brings the Mediterranean to your table! Its simplicity and heartiness are perfect for the whole family, encouraging everyone to gather around the dinner table. Now it’s your turn to try it out! Happy cooking!