Escarole and Beans is a classic Italian comfort dish known for its simplicity, heartiness, and nourishing flavors. With tender escarole greens, creamy white beans, garlic, and olive oil, this humble yet delicious meal comes together in one pot and delivers cozy satisfaction with every spoonful. It can be served as a side dish, soup, or light entrée with crusty bread on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, wholesome ingredients
Naturally vegetarian (and easily vegan)
One-pot, 30-minute meal
Light yet hearty and satisfying
Packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients
Classic Italian flavor with minimal effort
Customizable with pasta, sausage, or Parmesan
Budget-friendly and pantry-friendly
Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
Tastes even better the next day

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Escarole, washed and chopped
Canned cannellini beans (or Great Northern beans), drained and rinsed
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion (optional), finely chopped
Vegetable or chicken broth
Salt and black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, crusty bread for serving

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add garlic (and onion, if using) and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add chopped escarole and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until wilted.
Stir in the drained beans and pour in the broth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Add a splash of lemon juice or sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta for a heartier meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add sausage: Brown Italian sausage before adding garlic and escarole for a meaty version.
Soup style: Add more broth and small pasta like ditalini to turn it into a filling soup.
Spicy twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Lemon zest: Add fresh lemon zest for brightness.
Vegan version: Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese.
Rustic touch: Add a few torn slices of crusty bread into the pot to soak up the broth.
Cheesy version: Top each serving with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
Tomato base: Add a spoonful of tomato paste or canned diced tomatoes for extra depth.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

FAQs

What is escarole?

Escarole is a leafy green vegetable in the chicory family. It looks similar to lettuce but has a slightly bitter flavor that mellows when cooked.

Can I use dry beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Canned beans save time and work perfectly in this recipe.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and skip the cheese topping.

What does escarole taste like?

Escarole has a mildly bitter flavor, similar to endive or radicchio, but it softens when sautéed or simmered.

Can I use another green besides escarole?

Yes, try kale, spinach, Swiss chard, or mustard greens if escarole isn’t available.

Can I add pasta?

Absolutely. Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work great in this dish.

How do I make it more filling?

Add sausage, pancetta, or cooked grains like farro or rice for a heartier meal.

Is escarole and beans healthy?

Yes! It’s high in fiber, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and plant-based protein.

Can I serve it cold?

It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be eaten cold like a bean salad if desired.

Do I have to rinse canned beans?

Yes, rinsing removes excess sodium and gives the dish a cleaner taste.

Conclusion

Escarole and Beans is a timeless, rustic Italian dish that proves simple ingredients can create big flavor. With its comforting warmth and versatility, it’s a go-to recipe for cozy nights, nourishing meals, or easy weeknight dinners. Whether you keep it classic or make it your own, this dish delivers wholesome goodness in every bite.