Description
This White Bean and Spinach Ragu is a hearty and flavorful recipe that brings together creamy cannellini beans and fresh baby spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 7-ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced shallot, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for a minute or two, until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and allow it to reduce for a few minutes.
- Add the stock and cannellini beans. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer for about five minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Stir in the butter to finish the dish. Taste for additional salt, if needed.
- Serve alone, or pair with your favorite protein.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Mince the shallot and garlic, and rinse and drain the beans before you start cooking to streamline the process.
- Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and evenly, but if using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- Dried, cooked beans can be used instead of canned.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Allow the white wine to reduce fully to concentrate the flavors and remove any harsh alcohol taste.
- Choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable stock for the best flavor; homemade stock can make a big difference.
- Check for seasoning throughout cooking and adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
- Stirring in butter at the end adds a rich, creamy finish to the ragu.
- Try not to overcook the spinach.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but reheats well if needed.
- Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese would make a great addition or garnish to this bean dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American, Italian