Spicy Beans with Wilted Greens

A hearty Italian-inspired bean stew featuring white beans slowly simmered with aromatics and finished with a medley of fresh greens. The dish combines the richness of beans with the bite of chiles and anchovies, balanced by tender wilted greens and finished with fresh arugula and Parmesan.

6 servings
4 hr 27 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4 fillets anchovy fillets
  • 4 whole chiles de árbol
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 large onion
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • to taste kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 piece Parmesan rind
  • 1 pound dried white beans
  • 1 bunch kale
  • 1 bunch spinach
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook anchovies, if using, chiles, and garlic, stirring occasionally, until garlic is soft and anchovies are dissolved, about 4 minutes. Add onion, celery, and rosemary; season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is very soft and golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

    14 min

  2. 2.

    Add Parmesan rind, if using, beans, and 10 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed, until beans are beginning to fall apart, 3-4 hours.

    240 min

  3. 3.

    Lightly crush some beans to give stew a creamy consistency. Mix in kale, spinach, and half of arugula; season with salt and pepper. Cook until greens are wilted, 5-8 minutes.

    8 min

  4. 4.

    Toss remaining arugula with lemon juice and 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Divide stew among bowls; top with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of oil.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    DO AHEAD: Stew can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.