Escarole and Beans

Sauteed escarole and beans is a super easy side dish that goes well with just about any recipe!  This is one of those dishes that is on the menu of almost all Italian restaurants in the New York metro area.  Most of the time it will simply be sauteed in garlic and oil without the cannellini beans.

Escarole and beans will be on the menu right next to the garlic sauteed broccoli, sauteed broccoli rabe, string beans, etc.

You are probably wondering what escarole tastes like. 

It's a slightly bitter green that's hearty and substantial.  It takes braising well and is excellent in soups. 

It would be great as an alternative or addition to kale in this Tuscan ribollita soup.

Don't let the bitterness deter you, it's not as bitter as the radicchio in this salad, which I might add is amazing!  Bitter veggies are good, there's plenty of them used in Italian cooking!

Sauteed escarole makes a great side dish with or without the beans.  We used cannellini, but any white bean will work.  Down below we'll go over some common options and substitutions, but for now, let's get to the recipe!

You will need 1 bunch of escarole, garlic, chili flakes, white beans, regular and extra virgin olive oil.

How to make escarole and beans

1. Shown is a 1 head of escarole.  Depending on where you purchased it, it could be quite gritty and dirty.
2. Use as much garlic as you like and give the cloves a rough chop.  6 cloves is a good amount for one head of escarole, but this is a matter of personal preference.

3. Cut off and discard the end of the escarole and any brown leaves.  Cut the pieces into 2" ribbons.  Soak the escarole in a large pot of water, (change the water a few times) allowing the grit to sink to the bottom.  An easier way is to just use a salad spinner, either way get the escarole nice and clean.
4. In a large pan saute the garlic in a ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Add in the cleaned escarole and stir to coat well with the garlic and oil.
6. Add about 3 ounces of water to the pan and cover with a lid to allow the escarole to steam and cook through

7. After about 7 minutes remove the lid and add the ½ tsp of chili flakes and about 1 tsp of kosher salt (salt to taste).  Cook for 2 more minutes.
8. Add in one 16 ounce drained and rinsed well can of cannellini beans and gently fold them in.  Allow them to heat through.  When the beans are hot give the escarole and beans a taste test and adjust salt and pepper if required.  Turn off the heat and drizzle on a ¼ cup or more of great quality extra virgin olive oil.

So that's how to make an easy Italian side dish!

Substitutions and additions

• Liquid - About a cup of chicken can be used for a soupier texture.  Just add it in during the steaming stage.  Make sure to use low sodium and hold back on the extra salt until taste testing.
• Meat - Pancetta or guanciale can be used at the beginning of the saute process.  Saute about 4 ounces on medium-low until rendered (approximately 10 minutes) , then add the garlic in and continue with the recipe.
• Anchovies - Use 2 chopped fillets and saute them with the garlic for an added punch of flavor.
• Lemon - Adds a nice fresh taste to the escarole.  Often it will be served this way in restaurants. Use the juice of 1 lemon and a touch of the zest.

Top tips

• Drain and rinse the cannellini beans to remove the high sodium solution.
• Bitter veggies often need extra salt, don't hesitate to add more.
• A large drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is extra important when finishing this dish.
• Serve with crusty toasted bread on the side.  We love a side of cherry peppers as you can see in the pics down below.

Want more Italian sides?

• Easy sauteed mushrooms with garlic and parsley
• String beans with tomato sauce
• Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and oil
• Potato green bean salad
• Green beans with garlic and oil
• Italian roasted peppers with seasoned breadcrumbs

If you’ve enjoyed this escarole and beans recipe or any recipe on this site, we want to know so tell us in the comments below.  We would love to hear how you did and it’s nice to show others as well.  Thanks!

Watch the video below where Jim will show you how to make this recipe with easy-to-follow instructions. 

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