This traditional Italian dish blends the healthful escarole with the satisfying protein of white beans. It’s delicious as both a side dish and a main course, and it’s a fantastic vegetarian alternative. Learn how to create a delicious and healthy dish by combining escarole with beans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy And Nutritious. In terms of vitamins and minerals, escarole and beans are two of the healthiest food options. Escarole is high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A, whereas beans are high in protein, fiber, and iron. When combined, they provide a dish that’s not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Easy To Prepare. The escarole with beans recipe requires few ingredients and only a short amount of time in the kitchen, making it ideal for weeknight meals when time is of the essence. You can have a healthy and filling lunch on the table in only 20 minutes thanks to the ease with which this recipe may be prepared.
• Versatile And Customizable. This recipe’s versatility lies in its adaptability to individual preferences. You can increase the dish’s flavor with additional minced garlic or red pepper flakes, or up the protein content by topping it with grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s versatile enough to serve as either a side or a main, and it goes great with any starch, whether it’s pasta, rice, or bread.

Escarole And Beans Ingredients

• Escarole. The dish would be nothing without this green veggie. It’s bitter and crunchy, and it’s a great addition to the meal. Look for escarole with bright green, supple leaves that aren’t wilted or discolored.
• White Beans. The beans make the meal creamy and provide a good amount of protein. These beans can be substituted with cannellini beans or navy beans. You can use beans from a can, or you can prepare dried beans in advance.
• Garlic. The garlic makes the food smell and taste even stronger. Garlic, if used, should be finely chopped or minced to ensure a smooth integration into the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes. A little bit of heat and spice from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount used to suit your personal desire.
• Olive Oil. The meal gets its robust taste from the olive oil that was used to sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Chicken Broth. The chicken broth makes it tastier and juicier. Instead of chicken broth, you can use water or veggie broth.
• Parmesan Cheese. Parmesan cheese is shredded and sprinkled on top of the dish as a finishing touch. It enhances the dish with a salty, nutty flavor. Use good parmesan cheese if you want the greatest flavor.

Is This Escarole And Beans Recipe Healthy?

You can feel good about serving this escarole and beans recipe to your family because it’s made with wholesome, high-quality ingredients. The calorie count and the dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of escarole are both low. White beans, which are used in the recipe, are nutritious and filling. While the recipe, as written, may not meet your dietary criteria due to the presence of chicken broth and parmesan cheese, these ingredients can be easily swapped out for healthier alternatives.

Can I Cook This Escarole And Beans Recipe In A Slow Cooker?

Escarole with beans can be prepared in a slow cooker. First, in a skillet over medium heat, sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in the olive oil until fragrant. Afterward, you can add the escarole that has been cut, white beans, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Prepare escarole by slow cooking it for 4 to 6 hours or quickly cooking it for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your preferred method of cooking. When ready, top with freshly grated parmesan and serve.

What Is The Best Type Of Beans Should I Use For Escarole And Beans?

White beans, such as cannellini, navy, or great northern beans, work well in this escarole and beans recipe. The creamy texture and mild flavor of these beans are a perfect match for the bitter escarole. The recipe calls for beans, which can be purchased canned or dried. If using dried beans, they should be soaked overnight and cooked separately before being added to the mixture.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add To Escarole And Beans Recipe?

To the sautéed garlic and red pepper flakes, you can add other vegetables such as sliced onions, carrots, celery, or tomatoes. In addition to the escarole and beans, you may toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to your slow cooker. Besides making the food look more colorful and appealing, these vegetables are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How To Make Escarole And Beans?

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Stirring continually, sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds.
• Add the chopped escarole to the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until soft.
• Stir together the white beans and chicken stock in the skillet. Continue cooking for a further 5 minutes, or until the beans are well heated and the liquid has decreased significantly.
• To taste, season the dish with salt and pepper.
• Garnish the casserole with the grated parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

What To Serve With Escarole And Beans?

• Grilled Or Roasted Chicken. Add some flavor and protein to your escarole and beans with some grilled or roasted chicken. The escarole and the beans add a pleasant bitterness to the smoothness of the chicken’s rich, smokey flavor. It’s a wonderful technique to add substance to the dish and convert it into a filling main course.
• Crusty Bread. Sopping up the savory broth left over from cooking this escarole and beans dish is best done with some fresh, crusty bread. No matter what kind of bread you choose—baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough—it will enrich your meal with its pleasant crunch and substantial texture. It’s great for soaking up any remaining soup and will have you craving more.
• Roasted Vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red peppers, among other roasted veggies, make a beautiful and flavorful accompaniment to the escarole and beans. The escarole’s sharpness is tempered by the veggies’ natural sweetness, and the smokiness imparted by roasting gives the dish an extra layer of flavor.
• Pasta. Serving escarole and beans over pasta is a fantastic way to turn this side dish into a hearty main course. The pasta takes on the flavors and textures of the broth and meat, making for a heartier dinner. Pasta, in whatever form (spaghetti, penne, or linguine), is a fantastic way to elevate any dish to the next level.
• Wine. The meal would be incomplete without a glass of wine, and the escarole and beans dish pairs particularly well with a fruity red wine or a light, crisp white wine. The tanginess and sweetness of the wine balance the bitterness of the escarole, while the tannins in the red wine cut through the richness of the beans. Relax with a bottle of wine and enjoy the aromas of this tasty dish.

• Escarole And Sausage. Sliced sausage, coupled with the garlic and red pepper flakes, makes for a heartier alternative to the original. Any kind of sausage will do, but Italian sausage is ideal. The sausage boosts the dish’s satiety and flavor profile.
• Escarole And Lentils. For a vegetarian variation, try subbing cooked lentils for the white beans. The nutty flavor of lentils complements their role as a high-protein, high-fiber ingredient. Even the heartiest of appetites will be satisfied by this twist on the classic dish.
• Escarole And Tomato. When combined with the escarole and beans, diced canned tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to this recipe. Tomatoes give another dimension of complexity to the dish with their acidity, which balances the bitterness of the escarole and their juicy texture.
• Escarole And Bacon. For a delicious variation, add some diced bacon to the garlic and red pepper flakes in the skillet. Smoky bacon gives a salty, savory aspect to the recipe that complements the slightly bitter escarole. Those who enjoy bacon will appreciate this variant.
• Escarole And Parmesan Soup. The escarole and beans recipe can be made into a thick and satisfying soup by combining all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. For a nutty, tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients, sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese. This variant is just what you need on chilly nights or when you’re not feeling well.
• Escarole And Cannellini Bean Salad. Transform the recipe into a light and summery salad by combining cooked escarole and white beans with a lemon vinaigrette and some fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or oregano. The bitterness of the escarole is balanced by the tanginess of the dressing and the crispness of the escarole and the creaminess of the beans. This unique take on a salad makes for a healthy and refreshing main course.

How To Store Escarole And Beans?

• In The Fridge. You can keep any extra escarole and beans in the fridge for up to three days if you seal the container well. Let the dish cool completely before putting it away so that condensation doesn’t form. You can reheat the dish in a microwave or a pan to serve as a second meal.
• In The Freezer. Escarole and beans can be frozen, but the texture of the escarole may become slightly mushy when thawed. When ready to store in the freezer, just allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Place the container or bag in the freezer and label it with the date. You can keep the food for up to three months. After defrosting in the fridge overnight, you may reheat the dish in a microwave or a skillet.
• To Reheat. Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at high speed until hot throughout. Some chicken broth or water may be added if the final product seems too thick for your liking. To further enhance the flavor, feel free to add other seasonings like garlic or red pepper flakes. If you want to avoid scorching or burning, stir the meal occasionally. When ready, heat through and dig in!

Escarole And Beans Recipe Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 199.2
• Total Fat 7.6g
• Saturated Fat 1.4g
• Cholesterol 2mg
• Sodium 251.8mg
• Potassium 28.3mg
• Total Carbohydrate 22.7g
• Dietary Fiber 10.7g
• Sugars 1.1g
• Protein 9.5g
• Vitamin A 14.8%
• Vitamin C 7.6%
• Calcium 15%
• Iron 12.3%
• Vitamin D 0%