These Beans and Greens are easy, hearty, and southern-style delicious. Serve this tasty recipe as a side dish for fried chicken or fish or a meatless main entree. Add some smoked bacon or ham and a splash of apple cider vinegar for authentic Appalachian Style Beans and Greens. Or try a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and freshly grated Parmesan Cheese. Call it a soup or a stew; add enough chicken broth to suit your taste.
How to Make Beans and Greens
First, heat a little olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or large skillet. Add the onions and cook until softened. Then reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously. Now add the kale, cover the pot or skillet, and cook until wilted, stirring several times.
Stir in the chicken broth and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cannellini beans and fresh thyme and simmer for about 3 minutes. Season with plenty of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon into bowls and, if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans before adding them to the stew.
- This recipe is very flexible when it comes to greens. Try mustard greens, collard greens, escarole, turnip greens, kale, spinach, or Swiss chard. Remember that spinach and Swiss Card do not need to simmer long at all. Add the beans and fresh thyme at the same time as the chicken broth and only simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with what you have and what you love. Try rosemary, thyme, parsley, seasoned salt, or Cajun Seasoning.
- For more protein, add cooked smoked bacon, smoked ham, or browned pieces of smoked sausage like Polska Kielbasa.
- This recipe is even more delicious the next day. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations for Beans and Greens
- Southern Style – add crisp cooked bacon, smoked ham, or smoked sausage like Polska Kielbasa, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Italian Style – add Italian sausage, 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, and once ladled into bowls, sprinkle with Romano Cheese or Parmesan Cheese.
- Cajun Style – add andouille sausage or pepper sausage, red kidney beans instead of cannellini beans, and Cajun Seasoning to taste.
More Bean Recipes
Beans and Greens
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 ounces escarole or kale chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
- 2 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- Grated romano or Parmesan cheese to taste optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or large skillet. Add the onions and cook until softened. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
- Add the kale, cover the pot or skillet, and cook until wilted, stirring several times.
- Stir in the chicken broth and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cannellini beans and fresh thyme and simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Spoon into bowls and, if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.
Notes
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans before adding them to the stew.
- This recipe is very flexible when it comes to greens. Try mustard greens, collard greens, escarole, turnip greens, kale, spinach, or Swiss chard. Remember that spinach and Swiss Card do not need to simmer long at all. Add the beans and fresh thyme at the same time as the chicken broth and only simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with what you have and what you love. Try rosemary, thyme, parsley, seasoned salt, or Cajun Seasoning.
- For more protein, add cooked smoked bacon, smoked ham, or browned pieces of smoked sausage like Polska Kielbasa.
- This recipe is even more delicious the next day. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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Catalina
This is my type of dinner! I am making it for my family tonight!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Catalina! Enjoy!
Rosey
Beans and greens for the win. Side dishes are always my favorite on the table.
Amanda
The perfect side dish that goes well with so many comfort meals. My family loves this recipe!
Monica
I really enjoyed reading your recipe for Beans and Greens. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the dish sounds delicious and healthy. I appreciate how you provided variations and tips for customization. Can’t wait to give it a try!
Nadalie
This will make a great side when we do our bbq this weekend! Thanks for the recipe! Looks really great and easy to prep!
Tammy
Such a simple and delicious side dish. It reminds me of something my mom would make…I love warm greens!
Lavanda Michelle
With its combination of protein-rich beans and nutrient-packed greens, it’s a fantastic option for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Samantha Donnelly
This sounds amazing and the perfect comfort food I seem to be craving at the moment
Yeah Lifestyle
We are loving the beans and greens! This really makes a great little meal alone or on the side with some meat and potatoes. Very tasty!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So happy that you enjoyed it
Laura
YUM! This looks very yummy and easy to make – I am all about easy meals.
Who Let the Mum Out?
These beans were soo tasty and healthy! It is a great side dish for grilled fish. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Elizabeth
I like how this side dish is both delicious and packed pull of healthy nutrients. I might try experimenting with different types of beans. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Elizabeth! Enjoy!
julia
I absolutely love beans and love that you made it into a stew-type dish with plenty of kale.
Andrea
This quick and easy classic beans and greens was fantastic. The whole family loved it and they want me to make it again!
Kechi
This looks and sounds so comforting, and I have bookmarked it to make it later. I surely will be adding smoked ham. Thanks for your recommendations.
Ali
This is such a great, healthy side dish recipe. Packed with nutrition and tastes delicious!