This hearty and nutritious dish combines the earthy flavors of kale with the creamy texture of cannellini beans. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. The vegetable broth adds depth to the dish, while the garlic infuses it with a delightful aroma.
If you don't usually stock kale in your kitchen, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Look for fresh, vibrant leaves that are free from yellowing or wilting. Cannellini beans are typically found in the canned goods section, and vegetable broth can be found in the soup aisle or sometimes in the organic section.
Ingredients For Cannellini Beans And Greens Recipe
Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to sauté the garlic and kale.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic base for the dish.
Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that adds texture and a slightly bitter taste.
Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans that add protein and a smooth texture.
Vegetable broth: Adds depth and flavor to the dish, helping to meld the ingredients together.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the garlic, make sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Aim for a light golden color before adding the kale.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish well.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach cooks faster and has a softer texture, but still provides a good amount of nutrients and a similar green color.
cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a richer flavor, though it will make the dish non-vegetarian.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, providing a different but interesting flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the cannellini beans and greens to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Transfer the cooled mixture into an airtight container. Glass containers are ideal as they do not absorb odors and are easy to clean.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The kale will retain its vibrant color and the cannellini beans will stay tender.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the dish into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label each container with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. This is especially helpful if you have multiple dishes stored.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen cannellini beans and greens in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture.
- Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Transfer the portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking.
- To refresh the flavors, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the leftover cannellini beans and greens.
- Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the cannellini beans and greens to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat in 30-second intervals if needed.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cannellini beans and greens in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the cannellini beans and greens in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Sous Vide Method:
- Place the cannellini beans and greens in a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C).
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 30 minutes.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for sautéing the garlic and cooking the kale and beans evenly.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic, kale, and beans without scratching the skillet.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the kale into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely chopping the kale and mincing the garlic.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of cannellini beans.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil accurately.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the vegetable broth.
Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing the cannellini beans.
Garlic press: An alternative tool for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.
Ladle: Handy for serving the finished dish warm.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Mince the garlic and chop the kale in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-washed greens: Opt for pre-washed and pre-chopped kale to cut down on prep time.
Quick broth substitute: If you're out of vegetable broth, use a bouillon cube dissolved in hot water for a quick alternative.
One-pot method: Cook everything in one large skillet to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Cannellini Beans And Greens Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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