White Beans with Broccoli Rabe and Lemon

A savory Italian-inspired dish combining tender cannellini beans with bright broccoli rabe and lemon, enriched with anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty and nutritious meal offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

4 servings
17 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small lemon
  • 2 fillets anchovy fillets
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ½ bunch broccoli rabe
  • to taste Kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 cans cannellini beans
  • ½ cup flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • to taste red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add lemon, anchovies, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lemon is softened and brown in spots and anchovies fall apart, about 5 minutes. Add broccoli rabe; season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Add beans and 1/2 cup water to pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have melded and liquid is reduced by half (you still want it to be saucy), about 5 minutes. Mix in parsley and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, and top with more Parmesan.

    2 min