Cannellini Beans with Wilted Bitter Greens - Series 7
The combination of delicate white beans with richly sauteed, strongly
flavored bitter greens is
simply perfect. With the astringent quality of the greens aiding in
the digestion of the protein
and fat of the beans, this dish nourishes us deeply, without overworking
our systems, leaving
us plenty of energy for our lives.
What You'll Need
1-inch piece kombu or 1 bay leaf
2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled, left whole
1/2 cup dried cannellini beans, rinsed well, soaked for 1 hour
1 cup spring or filtered water
extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, thin slices
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
generous pinch red pepper flakes
sea salt
small bunch broccoli rabe, rinsed well, cut into small pieces
3-4 lemon wedges
Instructions
Place kombu or bay leaf in a small pot with
garlic and drained beans. Add water and bring to a boil
over medium heat, uncovered. Boil for about 5 minutes. Cover and reduce
heat to low. Cook beans
until just tender, about 45 minutes. Drain away any remaining liquid
and remove kombu/bay leaf and garlic.
Place a small amount of oil in a deep skillet with garlic and onion,
over medium heat. When vegetables
begin to sizzle, add red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt and saute
for 1 minute. Stir in broccoli rabe,
season lightly with salt and saute until limp and deeply green, about
4 minutes. Turn off heat and gently
stir in cooked beans until just combined. Transfer to a serving platter
and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Makes 3-5 servings.