Beans And Greens Recipe
CANNELINI BEANS, ESCAROLE, SAVOY CABBAGE, GARLIC, CACIOCAVALLO
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Ingredients
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Beans & Broth
Greens
Cheese & Finish
Method
Beans & Broth
- 1
Warm the base
In a large wide skillet or shallow saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant and the garlic is just beginning to color, about 1–1½ minutes. Take care not to burn the garlic.
- 2
Simmer beans
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and 2 cups of broth to the skillet. Gently smash about one-third of the beans with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to create a slightly creamy texture while leaving most beans intact. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- 3
Season
Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — add a little more salt or lemon juice to balance if desired.
Greens
- 4
Prepare greens
While the beans simmer, trim and roughly chop the escarole and thinly slice the savoy cabbage. Make sure pieces are bite-sized so they wilt quickly and evenly.
- 5
Wilt greens into beans
Add the chopped escarole and sliced savoy cabbage to the simmering beans in batches, stirring after each addition to help them wilt. Cover the pan partially and cook over medium-low heat until the greens are tender but still bright, about 4–6 minutes total. If the mixture becomes too dry, add up to ¼ cup more broth or water.
Cheese & Finish
- 6
Combine and melt cheese
When the greens are tender and most of the liquid has reduced to a loose stew-like consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the grated or thinly sliced caciocavallo evenly over the surface. Cover the pan for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to soften and slightly melt.
- 7
Finish and serve
Drizzle 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and optional lemon zest over the finished dish. Gently fold to combine the melted cheese into the beans and greens. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve hot, family-style, spooned into bowls or on toasted country bread as desired.