Sometimes, I dream of a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug, yet as vibrant as a sunlit garden in spring. This Easy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Kale and White Bean Skillet captures that feeling perfectly—with its rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes mingling alongside the earthy kale and tender white beans, each bite feels like a little celebration. It’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds, and honestly, who doesn’t need that once in a while?
Steps
- Begin by draining and rinsing the cannellini beans. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside.
- Prepare a dressing by mixing 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes with apple cider vinegar, dried basil, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes soft and aromatic.
- Add the chopped kale and a couple of tablespoons of water to the skillet. Stir and cook until the kale wilts, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Once the kale has wilted, add the drained white beans and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine, continuing to cook until the beans are warmed through.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture in the skillet. Stir to ensure everything is evenly coated, add salt to taste, and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) of cannellini beans, drained
- 1/2 of a 7 oz. jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz. fresh kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 469.33kcal | Carbohydrates: 55.33g | Protein: 21.35g | Fat: 19.35g | Sodium: 698.08mg | Fiber: 16.45g | Sugars: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A
FAQ
- Can I use a different leafy green instead of kale?
- Yes, you can substitute kale with spinach. However, it’s best to stir in the spinach at the end of cooking as it wilts very quickly.
- Is this dish meant to be a side or a main course?
- This versatile dish can be served as either. It is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course, but can also be served in smaller portions as a rich side dish alongside options like Baked Ziti or Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms.
- What additional toppings would complement this dish?
- If you want to enhance the flavors, you could add cheeses like Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese. For a non-vegetarian option, consider adding bacon or crumbled Italian sausage. Pine nuts could also be a great addition if cost is not a concern.
- Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary, and why are they used in this recipe?
- While sun-dried tomatoes can be more expensive, they add a rich, concentrated flavor that elevates the dish. They are paired with more affordable ingredients to create a balanced, cost-effective meal.
- What type of bread pairs well with this skillet?
- This dish is delicious when served with crusty garlic bread or a soft piece of naan, making for a satisfying and complete meal.
Tips
- Consider adding toppings like Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese for extra flavor. If you prefer a non-vegetarian dish, try incorporating bacon or crumbled Italian sausage.
- If kale isn’t to your taste, substitute it with spinach. Be sure to add the spinach at the end of cooking, as it wilts quickly.
- This dish is versatile and can serve as a hearty main course or a satisfying side dish. Pair it with dishes like Baked Ziti or Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms for a complete meal.
- To enhance the dish, serve it with crusty garlic bread or naan, which complements the flavors and makes it more filling.
Equipment
- Large skillet – If you don’t already have a suitable one, a large skillet is essential for sautéing the ingredients together.
- Garlic press – Useful for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
- Chef’s knife – A good quality knife is important for chopping ingredients like kale and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cutting board – A durable cutting board is needed for prepping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – Accurate measurement of ingredients like apple cider vinegar and spices is important for flavor balance.
