Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb Cranberry beans (in pods) OR 1 cup Cooked, Dried Beans
• 1 Bay leaf
• 6 Sage leaves OR 1/2 tsp Dried Sage
• 5 Tbs Fruity olive oil
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 1 medium Carrot, finely diced
• Salt
• 2 lb Greens, such as Mustard, Kale, Turnip, or a mixture
• 1 medium Red onion, finely diced
• 3 pinches Red pepper flakes
• 12 oz Penne, ziti, or shell pasta
• Freshly ground pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If using fresh cranberry beans, shell them and place them in a pan with enough water to cover. Add the bay leaf, half of the sage, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Slice one of the garlic cloves and add it to the pan along with the diced carrot. Lightly salt the mixture and simmer until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes. Add more water if needed. Once tender, set the beans aside in the cooking liquid.
2. Remove the tough stems from the greens and roughly chop the leaves. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and gently wilt the finely diced red onion. Chop the remaining garlic cloves and sage leaves, then add them to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Cook for a few minutes, then add the chopped greens. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the cooking water from the beans and add salt to taste. Cook until the greens are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. When the greens are done, add the cooked beans along with enough of the cooking liquid to create a sauce. Mix everything together well.
4. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, remove the pasta from the pot and add it directly to the skillet with the greens and beans. Toss everything together to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a heated serving dish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, season generously with freshly ground pepper, and add freshly grated cheese to taste.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious pasta dish with greens and beans!

Here are some variations of the pasta dish with greens and beans:

1. Protein Options: Add other proteins such as cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or tofu for a heartier version of the dish. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it with the greens and beans during the final step.
2. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or pecorino romano instead of the traditional grated cheese for a unique flavor twist.
3. Herbs and Seasonings: Play around with different herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavor profile. Consider using fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for added depth.
4. Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
5. Vegetable Additions: Incorporate additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed zucchini for more texture and color.
6. Greens Variety: Mix and match different types of greens, such as spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens, to create a diverse and nutrient-rich dish.
7. Creamy Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, mix in a spoonful of cream or half-and-half to the greens and beans mixture before adding the pasta.
8. Citrus Zest: Add a burst of freshness by grating some lemon or orange zest over the finished dish.