Hi all,

It has slowed down here now that is cold out, so I figure I would post how I make one of my favorite things to eat, Beans and Greens. I grew up eating this poor Italian persons' food. Now, it can be found in nice restaurants which I find very amusing. I cook like an old Italian lady, maybe because I'm becoming one, lol, so my directions/amounts are not exact take each amount as an about number, you know, 1lb more or less. I think it would be very hard to mess it up. People love to eat this very simple dish.

1lb cooked beans, Great Northern or a mix of Great Northern and Cranberry(you can use all Cranberry but the white looks nicer)If you are in a hurry and all you got is a can of beans, use it.

Garlic chopped, I like lots, use at least 4 cloves if not more

1lb at least of greens cut up, traditionally Escarole or Endive is used, but other greens or spinach can work too. If you are in a hurry those 1lb frozen bags work good, just defrost in the microwave.

Olive Oil

Butter( you can use just all oil, but we always added both.)

Salt and Pepper

Parmesan or Romano Cheese

Good Italian Bread

In a good size pot, saute the garlic in olive oil. Add the greens and a bit of water to wilt it down. Once wilted down, add enough water to cover greens, but don't add too much, just enough so that once the beans are added it will be like a good thick soup.

Add some pepper and salt.(Be careful with the salt if you are adding canned beans, and remember too Parmesan Cheese is added at the end.) Simmer until the greens are done to your liking. Escarole/Endive ribs get tender when done.

Add the beans. Give a good swirl of olive oil over the top and a couple pats of butter. If it is too thick add just enough water so it isn't. Bring back to a simmer, and taste. Add more pepper, salt, or oil if needed. If it isn't garlicy enough, you can always add some garlic powder and make note of needing more for next time. Let simmer for a few more minutes, and give one last taste test.

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh grated cheese and serve with good bread.

I have seen variations where chicken stock is used in place of some of the water. I have also seen where bacon is cooked and the grease is used along with the bacon bits added to the mix. sometimes other beans are used like Cannellini. I've had a prosciutto ham and Fava bean version that was very good.

If I didn't make sense somewhere, please tell me! If you try making it,(I hope some people do.) tell me how it came out.

Now that I posted a recipe, it would be nice to see someone else post one too!

Remy