Hearty Escarole And Beans Recipe: A Rustic Italian Comfort Bowl

Comfort meets nutrition in this classic Italian escarole and beans dish that brings warmth to your kitchen.

Robust flavors dance together in a simple yet satisfying meal packed with rustic charm.

Tender escarole wilts beautifully into creamy white beans, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Garlic and olive oil infuse the ingredients with rich, aromatic notes that transport you straight to a cozy trattoria.

Protein-packed and incredibly wholesome, this recipe offers a delightful alternative to heavy meat-based dinners.

Each spoonful promises a delectable journey through traditional Mediterranean cooking.

Let this escarole and beans recipe become your new go-to comfort food that nourishes both body and soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Escarole and Beans Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, select fresh firm cloves without green sprouts.

• Escarole: Slightly bitter leafy green with tender texture, pick bright green leaves without wilting.

• Cannellini Beans, Broth: Create hearty base with creamy beans, select low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance overall flavor profile, adjust heat level to personal preference.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish with fresh citrus notes, use fresh squeezed for maximum zest.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish, select freshly grated for most robust flavor.
• Crusty Bread: Provides perfect accompaniment for soaking up delicious broth, choose rustic artisan style.

Tools To Make Escarole And Beans

• Large Skillet or Pot: Essential for sautéing garlic and escarole, and simmering the entire dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic and escarole.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing cannellini beans.
• Grater: Ideal for creating fresh Parmesan cheese topping.

How To Cook Escarole And Beans

• Warm Up the Pan

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious skillet and set it over medium warmth, letting the pan come alive with gentle heat.

• Dance with Garlic

Toss sliced garlic into the pan, swirling and stirring until it releases its aromatic magic without turning brown.

• Welcome the Greens

Gradually introduce chopped escarole, folding it into the pan handful by handful, watching it surrender and shrink into tender submission.

• Build Flavor Layers

Cascade cannellini beans into the mix, along with broth, a sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a zingy kick.

• Let It Simmer

Allow the concoction to bubble gently, uncovered, melding flavors and softening the escarole into a luscious, comforting dish.

• Final Flourish

Brighten the creation with a splash of lemon juice, taste and adjust seasonings, then serve steaming hot with a shower of Parmesan and crusty bread alongside.

Flavor Boosts For Escarole And Beans

• Quick Wilting Technique: Gradually add escarole to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking with perfect texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, as flavors deepen and meld beautifully when rested overnight.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap cannellini beans with chickpeas, white kidney beans, or add grilled chicken for extra protein and variety.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Eliminate Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, savory flavor profile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preference, from mild warmth to bold kick depending on individual taste.

Ways To Serve Escarole And Beans

• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty escarole and beans dish with a warm slice of crusty Italian bread to soak up all the delicious broth and flavors.
• Rustic Dinner Sidekick: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete and nutritious meal that brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan on top and add a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the richness and depth of the dish.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Transform this recipe into a brunch favorite by topping it with a poached egg and serving with crispy prosciutto for an elegant morning twist.

Store And Plan Escarole And Beans Easily

• Quick Refrigeration Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the beans and greens slightly to maintain optimal texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that escarole might slightly change texture upon thawing.
• Reheating Revival Tricks: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore original consistency.
• Smart Meal Prep Approach: Prepare larger batches and portion into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners. Keep Parmesan cheese separate until serving to prevent soggy bread or cheese clumping.

Hearty Escarole And Beans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Italian classic escarole and beans combines rustic warmth with simple Mediterranean ingredients. Nonna’s traditional recipe delivers comforting flavors you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head escarole (chopped and rinsed well)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 cloves garlic (sliced thin)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Aromatic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and gently sauté garlic until fragrant, ensuring it remains pale and does not burn.
2. Green Transformation: Add chopped escarole to the pan, stirring and folding the leaves until they dramatically wilt and reduce in volume, creating a lush green base.
3. Flavor Building: Introduce cannellini beans, broth, salt, cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes, allowing the ingredients to meld together in a harmonious culinary dance.
4. Simmering Integration: Maintain an uncovered simmer, letting the escarole soften and the flavors intertwine, developing a rich and cohesive taste profile.
5. Final Flourish: Brighten the dish with a vibrant splash of lemon juice, fine-tuning the seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced and nuanced flavor.
6. Elegant Presentation: Plate the warm mixture, garnish generously with delicate Parmesan shavings, and serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Prevent Bitter Taste: Blanch escarole briefly before cooking to reduce its natural bitterness, ensuring a milder, more pleasant flavor profile.
• Select Fresh Beans: Choose high-quality, creamy cannellini beans – either freshly cooked or from a reliable canned source – for optimal texture and taste.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Watch garlic closely during initial sautéing; golden-brown signals perfect flavor development, while dark brown indicates burning and potential bitterness.
• Adjust Liquid Consistency: Monitor broth levels during simmering, adding more if needed to maintain a slightly soupy, comforting texture without becoming too dry or watery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg