Braised White Beans and Greens With Parmesan Recipe (2024)

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Cooking Notes

dee

Discarding those stalks from the chard is such a miss. Think of chard as two vegetables in one - the stalk and the leaf. Cut them out {fold the leaf in half lengthwise and cut along the length of stalk to free the stalk from the leaf} and dice the stalks, then add to the onions and fennel to sauté.

Sarah

Celery or leeks are a good sub for fennel and given the way this recipe is made I'd go with leeks for a more mild flavor profile. Celery is better as a substitute for raw fennel.

Josh

Gosh. This is about the most delicious bean dish I've made. No: it's the most delicious using canned beans. Living alone I need a few ways to use up leftovers so here are my plans: 1) add more stock and turn into soup, 2) drain some in a sieve overnight in fridge and smash into a ciabatta bun for lunch, 3) reheat and serve with a poached egg and baguette toast points.

greta

It’s not a NYT recipe until there are hundreds of readers posting their spin on it, but here I am..! Just had to mention how easy and efficient this meal was. Had almost every single ingredient chilling in the refrigerator (post-galentine’s day) - ALL I had to pay was 55p for a baguette! Added (here we go..) some bacon for a fat/protein element and went easy on the seasoning and cheese. The lemon juice tied it all together. Yet another go to recipe in my NYT archives.

Dan Findlay

Don't be afraid to use other greens; dandelion, turnip, beet, collard, arugula, and foraged wild greens (Lamb's quarters, purslane, sorrel, chickweed, etc.) in the spring. This recipe is descended from "la cucina povera," the no-waste, make use of limited resources, use what you have on hand, "poor cooking."

Chefkreidler

I've been making this dish for 30 years. I like to add a little Arugula in for flavor. Puree any leftovers, makes a great dip!

Randy

This was great! I used chard and omitted the mozzarella.This recipe doesn't make four servings unless you're feeding toddlers or supermodels. At my house it made two generous adult servings. Next time I'll double it.

Randy

Adding bacon for protein makes as much sense as adding extra salt for the iodine.

Ritamay

What could you sub in for fennel? My family and I don't care for it... Thank you!

Post first attempt

Add lemon zest as well as the juice for extra flavor.

Anne

I loved that the recipe included fennel--cooking it changes the flavor from when it is raw--it was such a flavor enhancer. I had both kale and spinach, & added both, so we had 2 different greens--one substantial & one tender. My husband loved the contrast. I cooked up my own cannellini beans, rather than using canned & they kept their shape well. I added some preserved lemon because I didn't have any fresh lemons, and that really added great flavor. Will make again!

Denise

I love almost all NYT recipes but this is one of the best. Full of flavor and healthy. We didn't change a thing.

Jen

Delicious and easy. Wonderful lunch! I sautéed a little pancetta and sprinkled on top. Also chopped up some fennel fronds and added a shallot and some green onions. Skipped the mozz. in the soup. If you want, rub the bread with olive oil and garlic, toast, top with cheese and pop under broiler. Then float the cheesy toast in the soup. I’ll double the recipe next time.

PF

Not sure why recipes call for discarding (or simply not using) the Swiss chard stems. They can be trimmed and diced and added with the fennel and onion. Or replace the fennel altogether. Great choice for a Meatless Monday, although it's screaming out for pancetta or bacon or sausage.

Karen B

Made this vegan for my girlfriend. Subbed in red onion, dried Rosemary, great northern beans, and finished with white balsamic because I ran out of lemons. She said it was her in her top 5 things I’ve ever made for her. Easy and Italian inspired weeknight dinner or side. Loved!

Kim from Charlottesville

This is especially good the night after a roast chicken, so you can use the stock.

Julia

I don't understand how you mince thyme. The leaves are already tiny. Are you supposed to mince the woody stems?

N Spencer

Just delicious. The greens cook down to nothing so I added more at the end. I put in a combo of escarole and Swiss chard. I’m seeing people say it needs sausage…well, I roughly cut up two kielbasas (Wardynski’s brand - the absolute best from upstate NY, iykyk), fried them up in a skillet to caramelize and added them at the end. Awesome!

Jane

This is always good. I leave out the rosemary. Add LOTS of cheese. Perfect lunch.

Jean

Added a Parmesan rind to the mix! Yum!

Marianne

I skipped the mozzarella. Went for kale and chard. Im always looking for more plant based (especially bean and lentil) dishes but I did end up adding broth and a little shredded chicken from a leftover rotisserie. Served with toasted sourdough bread. Fantastic!

Henri

This is the NYT dish that gets five stars? The first time…I forget. The second time, I made exactly as written (sans mozzarella) and with toasted olive bread. It was…food. I couldn’t eat that much because it didn’t compel itself into my tummy.

Mia

WOW this is So good! Definitely one of those "greater than the sum of its parts" recipes. The red pepper warmed the dish up, the greens were so pleasant, and the parmesan cheese finishes the beans off so well. (As I am typing this, I'm eating it for a midnight snack; I can attest that it is as good reheated as it was earlier in the evening for dinner!.) Serving it with crusty bread makes you forget that this is a budget meal because it is so satisfying.

Joyce

wonderful! I did the refrigerator thing. I had rapid, leeks and 1 can of cennelli and one can of black beans, Then I found a bit of chorizo left over that one in it too. Easy to make and I love both the beans and the greens. Def remake.

Kathy

Easy, very tasty, healthy, hearty. The fennel, lemon and mozzarella add very nice dimensions.

CG

The fresh fennel I used was tasteless. I added a TBSP or more fennel seed and lots of fresh lemon juice, significantly improving the flavor. I blended the beans into a smooth, creamy soup, adding the cooked kale afterward. I like this fresh take on bean soup instead of ones that reek of animal carcasses and bacon fat.

erika

Cooked sausage first and removed. Kept 1c of beans out of dish

Cutta

IT’S PERFECT.

Rob R

We are long-time Beans au Vin fans, but I must admit this is equal or even slightly better! Made as described other than garlic omission, this is a fantastic dish. Enjoy.

Katherine

This was really good made it with navy beans if cooked from dry, so the beans fell apart more than in the picture, but the flavors were so good. Definitely on the make it again list.

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Braised White Beans and Greens With Parmesan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are navy beans and white beans the same? ›

Navy Beans / Pea Beans are sometimes also referred to as Small White Beans. So, if you come across a recipe calling for Small White Beans, it most likely means Navy Beans. Whatever you call them, Navy Beans are worth adding to your grocery list.

Are cannellini beans and white kidney beans the same thing? ›

White Kidney Beans, also known as Cannellini Beans, are large, kidney-shaped beans with a white skin. They have a soft texture, and are great ingredient for pureed dips like hummus, creamy salad dressings (i.e., Caesar salad dressing) and sauces.

How to cook white beans without soaking on stove top? ›

If you're using unsoaked beans, rinse them in a fine mesh strainer before you add them to the pot. Bring the water to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, discarding any foam that rises to the surface. Add seasonings & continue cooking.

What is the difference between great northern beans and cannellini beans? ›

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.

Which white bean is healthiest? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

Which beans are least gassy? ›

The easiest beans to digest (therefore less likely to cause gas), according to Country Life Foods, are lentils, black eyed beans, adzuki beans and mung beans. (Click through to learn more about the amazing health benefits of mung beans.) The harder ones to digest are red kidney, soy, black and lima beans.

What is the healthiest bean? ›

Some of the healthiest beans to consume include:
  • Black beans: Often known as turtle beans, black beans are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets. ...
  • Kidney beans: ...
  • Lima beans: ...
  • Soybeans: ...
  • Chickpeas: ...
  • Pinto beans: ...
  • Navy beans:

What are the side effects of white kidney beans? ›

When taken by mouth: Phaseolus vulgaris bean extracts are possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. But eating large amounts of fresh Phaseolus vulgaris bean husks is possibly unsafe. Raw husks contain chemicals called lectins. These chemicals can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What is the best white bean? ›

Great Northern Beans

But if you're looking for just one bean to keep on your pantry shelves, you'll want to go with the great northern white bean. With its nutty flavor, firm flesh and medium size, great northern beans work in almost any application. Bean salad? Perfect.

What happens if you don't rinse beans before cooking? ›

Canned beans are packed in a solution of water, salt, and starch. That solution can leave a glossy film on the beans, interfering with not only mouthfeel (slimy beans are a little off-putting), but also the ability of the beans to cling to other ingredients in the dish and absorb those flavors.

What happens if you don't soak white beans? ›

Here's the thing: Beans that have not been soaked ahead of time will always take longer to cook, but they will, indeed, cook.

How to make beans taste good? ›

Those aromatics in the pot will revolutionize the beans' final flavor. The aromatics I tend to use are onions, carrots, garlic, and celery, and then heartier, woodsy herbs, like rosemary, sage, and thyme, which marry beautifully with the earthy-sweet flavor of beans.

What are cannellini beans called in America? ›

Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans are a popular white bean native to Southern Italy. They are large and oval in size with a nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Cannellini beans are also called white kidney beans.

What are the big white beans called? ›

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.

What are the creamiest beans? ›

Baby lima beans are the pièce de résistance of creamy white beans if you ask me, but aren't always the easiest to find, especially canned. Any white beans will do, whether cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans. Use your favorite brand. Some canned beans are more tender, while others tend to be a bit tough.

What is another name for white beans? ›

What is a White Bean? Some recipes simply call for “white beans.” This is a general term for great northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other similar beans.

What is another name for navy beans? ›

The navy bean, haricot bean, pearl haricot bean, Boston bean, white pea bean, or pea bean is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) native to the Americas, where it was first domesticated. It is a dry white bean that is smaller than many other types of white beans, and has an oval, slightly flattened shape.

What beans can be substituted for navy beans? ›

On the other hand, if navy beans are unavailable, you can easily use any white or colored bean, such as white kidney beans or black beans. In a pinch, lentils can also step in as a viable replacement. With these versatile alternatives, you can confidently navigate any recipe and enjoy a satisfying and flavorsome meal.

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