Escarole and beans
Escarole and beans is a delicious dish featuring escarole, a mildly bitter leafy green, paired with creamy cannellini beans. The combination creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile, making it a comforting meal. The beans add a hearty texture, while the escarole contributes a fresh, slightly earthy taste. It’s often enjoyed as a warming, nutritious option, especially on cooler days.
For the best experience, it’s recommended to serve the dish with warm, crusty Italian bread, which complements the flavors and allows for sopping up the creamy sauce. Overall, it’s a beloved, simple yet flavorful dish that many enjoy.
Ingredients for Escarole and beans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing; adds richness.
- 2 large heads escarole: Provides a slightly bitter taste and good texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a mild heat for balance.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Contributes aromatic depth and savory flavor.
- 2 (16-ounce) cans cannellini beans: Creamy and hearty base for the dish.
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step by Step Process for Making Escarole and beans
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the recipe, ensuring you have everything at hand.
Step 2: Heat Olive Oil:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This will create a flavorful base for cooking the escarole.
Step 3: Cook Escarole:
Add the chopped escarole to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the olive oil. Season the escarole with salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the escarole is tender.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic and Beans:
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Add Cannellini Beans:
Pour in the 2 (16-ounce) cans of cannellini beans along with their juice. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the beans to become creamy and blend with the garlic flavor.
Step 6: Combine Escarole and Beans:
Once the beans are creamy, add the cooked escarole to the skillet with the beans. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors meld.
Step 7: Finish with Parsley:
Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Simmer the entire mixture for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen before serving. Enjoy your flavorful dish!
Experts Tips
- Finding Escarole: Look for escarole near other heads of lettuce at your grocery store. It’s commonly available, but if you can’t find it, try checking other stores, as this ingredient is essential for the dish.
- Cleaning Escarole: To prepare escarole, cut off the root and separate the leaves. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, as escarole can hold a lot of dirt.
- Serving Options: Seeded Italian bread pairs perfectly with this dish. If you prefer, you can also serve the escarole and beans over pasta for a heartier meal.
- Add Cheese: For an extra touch of flavor, consider sprinkling freshly grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. It doesn’t store well, so plan to serve it right away for the best taste and texture.
- Pairing Suggestions: Escarole and beans can be served as a side dish alongside fish or meat, or enjoyed as a vegetarian main course or appetizer.
- Embrace the Flavor: Remember, the combination of escarole and white beans is truly delicious, so take your time to enjoy the cooking process and the final dish!
FAQ’S
What is escarole, and how does it differ from other greens?
Escarole is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the chicory family. It has broad, slightly curly leaves that are pale green in color. Unlike other greens like spinach or kale, escarole has a mild, slightly bitter flavor, making it ideal for sautéing or adding to soups. Its texture is sturdier than more delicate greens, allowing it to hold up well in cooked dishes.
Can I substitute escarole with another green?
While escarole has a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute it with other sturdy greens like Swiss chard, kale, or even romaine lettuce. Keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly, and cooking times may differ based on the chosen green’s texture.
How should I store leftover escarole and beans?
This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s important to consume them within 1-2 days, as the texture and flavor can deteriorate over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
What can I serve with escarole and beans?
Escarole and beans make a versatile dish. You can serve it as a side with grilled fish or roasted meats, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course. It pairs well with crusty Italian bread, over pasta, or topped with grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Yes, sautéed escarole and beans are entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegans. Just be sure to skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you want to keep it vegan-friendly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding ingredients such as lemon juice or zest for brightness, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. You can also experiment with different herbs, like thyme or oregano, or add more spices to suit your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the escarole and beans separately in advance. Cook the beans and sauté the escarole ahead of time, then combine them just before serving to retain their textures and flavors. Reheat gently to warm through.
What are the nutritional benefits of escarole and beans?
Escarole is rich in vitamins A and K, as well as fiber, while cannellini beans provide protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. Together, they create a nutritious dish that’s low in calories and high in health benefits, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for extra protein. Alternatively, incorporating tofu or tempeh can provide a plant-based protein boost while keeping the dish vegetarian.
What should I do if I can’t find cannellini beans?
If cannellini beans are unavailable, you can substitute them with other white beans like great northern or navy beans. Each variety has a slightly different texture and flavor but will work well in the dish.