Blanched Escarole and White Bean Appetizer

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This recipe for escarole and beans combines comfort with nutrition. The beans are packed with fiber and protein while the escarole is in a league of its own in terms of body-loving benefits. Cooked together and served warm, the two make for an easy snack or meal. You’ll love this as a side dish or as the main attraction. Enjoy!

Glow factors:

Escarole: are helpful it reducing glucose and LDL cholesterol levels. They are packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene. antioxidants that help to slow the aging process and contribute to immunity. Escarole is also rich with other vitamins in minerals that are beneficial for skin, eye and hair health.

White Beans: are one of the most concentrated food sources of detoxifying enzyme molybdenum, are low on the glycemic index, keep cravings at bay, lower the risk of heart disease and adult-onset diabetes, slow the absorption of carbohydrates (and thus body fat), prevent premature aging with their high-antioxidant content, and are very high in magnesium and thus helpful for handling stress and preventing celiac disease and gastrointestinal problems.

Escarole and Beans

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound escarole
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cans (15 ounces, each) white beans, rinsed and drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest for garnish
Directions: Blanch the escarole in a large pot full of boiling water for about a minute to get rid of the sour taste. Drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze it until all the water is gone. Chop.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil, shallot, garlic and drained escarole. Saute for a few minutes until the shallot begins to get transparent and the escarole has sweat and reduced in volume.
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Add the beans alongside 1 cup of water to the mixture and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes covered and another 5 minutes uncovered.  Check the taste and adjust if necessary with salt and pepper. once the water has reduced and the mixture is well cooked through, serve with lemon zest!
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Bon Appetit!

xo Aylin

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