Description
Mediterranean White Beans and Greens is a nourishing dish made with creamy cannellini beans, leafy greens, garlic, olive oil, and lemon for a bright and comforting meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chopped kale, Swiss chard, or spinach
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid browning.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes so they absorb the garlic and oil flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water and add oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the chopped greens and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes for kale, 3 to 5 minutes for Swiss chard, or 1 to 2 minutes for spinach.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to serving bowls and drizzle with extra olive oil.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use kale for a heartier texture, Swiss chard for a silky bite, or spinach for a softer finish.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or farro can be mixed in for a more filling meal.
- Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
