Braised Cannellini Beans with Onions and Arugula

Warm, hearty, and brimming with rustic flavors, this Braised Cannellini Beans with Onions and Arugula recipe offers the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Tender cannellini beans are simmered in a rich vegetable broth alongside caramelized onions and fragrant garlic, creating a savory, aromatic base. The addition of peppery arugula brings a fresh, vibrant twist, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish with subtle acidity. Seasoned with red pepper flakes for a gentle kick and finished with optional fresh parsley, this quick and wholesome meal comes together in just 35 minutes. Serve it as a satisfying side or a standalone dish alongside crusty bread for soaking up every flavorful bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, it’s a versatile recipe that showcases Mediterranean-inspired ingredients at their best.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 2 cups cannellini beans
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 4 cups arugula
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the yellow onion, and add it to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 4

Rinse and drain the cannellini beans, then add them to the pan along with the vegetable broth.

Step 5

Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

After 15 minutes, uncover the pan and add the arugula. Stir gently to wilt the greens, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1047.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	856.3

Total Fat 30.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1991.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 111.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 12.0g
Protein 37.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 393.0mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 2494.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 51.0%