Cannellini Beans With Spinach

Ingredients for Cannellini Beans With Spinach

• 350ml dried cannellini (white kidney) beans, soaked overnight, drained

• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise

• plus 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 3 sage leaves

• 90ml olive oil, divided, plus more for serving

• Kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 bunches mature spinach, trimmed

• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

How to make Cannellini Beans With Spinach

Bring beans, head of garlic, sage, 45ml oil, and 1450ml water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat, add several generous pinches of salt and simmer gently until beans are creamy all the way through but skins are still intact, 35–45 minutes. Let cool.

Heat 45ml oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook crushed garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring, just until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Working in batches, add spinach, letting it wilt slightly before adding more, and cook, tossing often, until leaves are just wilted, about 5 minutes; season with salt.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer beans to skillet with spinach and cook, tossing gently, until beans are warmed through. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and 60ml bean cooking liquid and toss, adding more cooking liquid if needed, until coated (mixture should be saucy but not submerged in liquid; don’t cook too long or beans will get mushy). Taste and season with salt. Serve drizzled with oil.

Beans can be cooked 3 days ahead. Keep in cooking liquid; cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.