Garlicky Beans Winter Greens

Featured in: Dinner Blast

This dish features creamy cannellini beans cooked with fragrant garlic and tender winter greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Sautéing the garlic in olive oil develops a rich aroma, which enhances the beans gently simmered alongside red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The greens wilt perfectly in vegetable broth, then are brightened with lemon zest and juice. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley adds freshness. Ideal for chilly days, this rustic preparation offers a nourishing blend of flavors and textures, fitting easily into vegetarian and gluten-free lifestyles.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:51:00 GMT
Fragrant Garlicky Beans with Winter Greens, a rustic, comforting dish, ready to serve with fresh parsley. Save
Fragrant Garlicky Beans with Winter Greens, a rustic, comforting dish, ready to serve with fresh parsley. | ticktaste.com

Creamy cannellini beans simmered with fragrant garlic and tossed with hearty winter greens for a nourishing, rustic dish perfect for chilly days.

I first made these garlicky beans on a cold evening when I wanted something comforting but not too heavy. The aroma of sautéed garlic and vibrant greens instantly warmed the kitchen and made this a go-to recipe all winter long.

Ingredients

  • Beans: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced), 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked beans), 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Greens: 6 cups winter greens (such as kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens), tough stems removed and leaves chopped, 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or water), zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional), extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Cook Garlic:
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and beginning to turn golden.
Simmer Beans:
Stir in cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently to avoid smashing the beans.
Add Greens:
Add chopped greens and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are wilted and tender.
Evaporate Liquid:
Remove lid and cook another 2–3 minutes so excess liquid evaporates.
Finish:
Stir in lemon zest and juice, taste, adjust seasoning as needed, then transfer to plates or serving bowl. Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.
A warm bowl of Garlicky Beans with Winter Greens, showing tender greens and creamy beans, a hearty meal. Save
A warm bowl of Garlicky Beans with Winter Greens, showing tender greens and creamy beans, a hearty meal. | ticktaste.com

This simple recipe brought the whole family together on chilly nights, warming both hands and hearts as we gathered around the table for a nourishing meal.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens. If using packaged broth or canned beans, check labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 9 g (per serving)

Close-up of Garlicky Beans with Winter Greens, showing vibrant green leaves and a flavorful, satisfying meal. Save
Close-up of Garlicky Beans with Winter Greens, showing vibrant green leaves and a flavorful, satisfying meal. | ticktaste.com

A final drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon brightens up this rustic, plant-based bean and greens dish. Enjoy it warm for cozy comfort!

Garlicky Beans Winter Greens

Sautéed cannellini beans combined with garlic and hearty winter greens for a warm, rustic dish.

Setup time
10 min
Heat time
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Dinner Blast

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background Mediterranean

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Beans

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
03 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Greens

01 6 cups winter greens (kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens), stems removed and chopped
02 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water
03 Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
02 Extra olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Phase 02

Cook Beans: Incorporate cannellini beans, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently to maintain bean integrity.

Phase 03

Add Greens and Broth: Add chopped winter greens and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until greens are wilted and tender.

Phase 04

Evaporate Excess Liquid: Remove lid and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.

Phase 05

Finish with Lemon: Stir in lemon zest and juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Phase 06

Serve and Garnish: Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens. Check labels of canned beans and broth for potential allergens or cross-contamination.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 210
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 9 g