Description
This vibrant Mediterranean White Beans & Greens recipe combines tender cannellini beans with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian dish. Perfect as a hearty main or a wholesome side, it’s quick to prepare and packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach or chopped kale
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Add beans and tomatoes: Stir in the drained cannellini beans, halved cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the beans to warm through.
- Wilt the greens: Add the fresh spinach or chopped kale to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted and tender, about 2–4 minutes.
- Season and finish: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- This recipe works well as a vegetarian main or a hearty side dish.
- Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal.
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
