Creamy Tomato Beans and Greens
A hearty, vegan-friendly stew of white beans simmered in a rich tomato broth with wilted kale. Served with crusty bread.
Details
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Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed
- 1 bunch kale or chard, stems removed, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Sauté onion in oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add garlic and paprika, cooking for 1 minute.
- 3
Stir in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Add beans and kale. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until greens are wilted.
- 5
Stir in coconut milk if using.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Serve hot with toasted sourdough.
About This Recipe
Hailing from the sun-drenched kitchens of the Mediterranean, where humble legumes and vibrant greens form the bedrock of countless nourishing meals, this Creamy Tomato Beans and Greens stew is a testament to the power of simple ingredients. It embodies the essence of peasant cooking – economical, deeply satisfying, and brimming with wholesome goodness. What truly elevates this dish is its ingenious balance: the creamy, starchy cannellini beans provide a luxurious texture, while the crushed tomatoes form a rich, umami-packed base. The smoked paprika infuses a subtle warmth, marrying beautifully with the sweet aromatics of onion and garlic. Key to its depth is allowing the beans to gently simmer in the seasoned tomato broth, absorbing all those incredible flavors. The optional coconut milk isn't strictly traditional but lends an exquisite, dairy-free creaminess that makes each spoonful utterly comforting. This stew is incredibly versatile; swap cannellini for borlotti beans, kale for spinach, or add a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Serve generously in warm bowls, drizzled with a final flourish of extra virgin olive oil and alongside plenty of crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious broth.
Tips & Tricks
- • To maximize flavor, sauté your chopped onion until softened and lightly golden before adding garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for just a minute until fragrant to properly bloom the spices.
- • For an earthier flavor profile, substitute cannellini beans with borlotti or kidney beans, and try Swiss chard in place of kale for a slightly milder green.
- • This stew is fantastic for meal prep as flavors deepen overnight; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth if needed.
- • Enhance the brightness and balance the richness by adding a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)