This wholesome Giada white beans and tuscan kale is one of my favorites when I want something quick, easy, and totally delicious. It takes just a few ingredients and comes together in 1 hour and 35 minutes.

I love how the flavors pop—especially with the olive oil and the rich taste of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. To make it extra special, I like to add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top. It’s simple, fun, and always makes me feel like I’m treating myself.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups dry white beans, such as cannellini
• 6 cups filtered or bottled water
• 1 fresh sage sprig
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small bunch Tuscan kale, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

How To Make Giada white beans and tuscan kale

Cook the White Beans

1. Simmer the Beans: Throw the beans, water, sage, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a medium Dutch oven. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the Kale and Finish

1. Add the Kale and Spices: Add the chopped kale, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the kale is tender and wilted.
2. Finish with Olive Oil and Parmesan: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to give it that final Italian touch.

Recipe Tips

• Kale Selection: When shopping for Tuscan kale, opt for bunches with slightly sweet and tender leaves, which will caramelize easily and infuse the dish with a rich, earthy flavor.
• Enhance Flavor with Aromatics: To take the dish to the next level, sauté the aromatic onions and garlic until they develop a deep golden color, intensifying the flavor and aroma, while adding depth to the rustic Tuscan-inspired sauce.
• Customize with Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a bold, spicy kick, balancing out the earthy sweetness of the Tuscan kale and creamy cannellini beans, elevating the dish to new heights.
• Bean and Kale Ration Balance: For an authentic Italian-inspired flavor ratio, balance the creamy cannellini beans with an equal or slightly higher amount of fresh, tender Tuscan kale, highlighting their natural pairing and textural contrast.
• One-Pot Meal Extension: To turn this recipe into a satisfying, wholesome meal, cook sliced chicken breast or Italian sausage with the hearty white beans and kale mixture, simmering all the ingredients together in one pot to create a comforting, satiating dinner.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Fruit In Spiced White Wine
• Giada Simple Wilted Greens
• Giada Margarita Chicken Wings