Classic Italian Greens and Beans

Recipe by Dan & Rose Fera of Leaning Birch Farm

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

*Ingredients available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

• ½ pound cooked pasta* of choice
• 1 lg head escarole*, washed and cut into 2” pieces
• 1 lg onion*, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic*, smashed
• 2 Tbl. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage*
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can cannellini beans, undrained
• ½ cup fresh basil*, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

1. Boil escarole in 2 qts salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, cook sausage in olive oil until lightly browned. Remove from pan.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and saute until translucent.
4. Add broth, bring to a boil, and deglaze the pan.
5. Stir in the sausage and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add the basil, beans, and escarole.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the parmesan cheese. 
8. Serve over hot pasta and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.  Grate additional cheese on top, if desired.