Recipe: Cannellini beans with wilted greens

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups dried cannellini beans, picked over and rinsed, soaked overnight and drained
3 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
4 cloves garlic, 1 left whole and 3 minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and finely chopped (optional)
1 head escarole, about 1/2 pound, stemmed and leaves coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the beans, water, bay leaf, oregano and whole garlic clove. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover partially and simmer until the beans are tender, 60 to 75 minutes. Drain and discard the bay leaf and garlic.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, minced garlic and anchovies, if using.

Saute until the tomatoes are softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the escarole and cooked beans and cook until the greens are wilted and the beans are heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with the salt and pepper and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)