Braised White Beans and Greens

Recipe courtesy of Lidey Heuck/ The New York Times.

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup olive oil

1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, cored and small-diced

1 small yellow onion, small-diced

2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or thyme

5 garlic cloves, minced

¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste

1 large or 2 small bunches escarole, kale or Swiss chard, stems removed (10 to 12 ounces)

2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed

2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)

3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, plus more for serving

Toasted country bread, for serving

PREPARATION

In a 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the fennel, onion and rosemary, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Begin adding handfuls of the greens, cooking and stirring until leaves wilt.

Add the white beans, broth and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer, mashing some of the beans with a wooden spoon, until the liquid has reduced and thickened, 6 to 8 minutes.

Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, then the mozzarella, if using, and Pecorino Romano. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Divide among shallow bowls and top with more Pecorino Romano. Serve with toasted bread and a dish of red-pepper flakes on the side.

Photography and styling by Julia Gartland for The New York Times