Ways to cure a snow-filled, bone-chilling Monday?
I’ll start.
First: spiked coffee with a dollop of whipped cream. It felt like the right decision this morning — arguably questionable, but definitely mood-improving.
Binge-watching 90s shows is a must. I’m currently on California Dreams and fully committed to the nostalgia.
Also: I can’t get enough of the Olympics. I’m swapping my imaginary country-music-star career for daydreams of figure skating and, improbably, learning to luge (despite a fear of heights).
Turn on a Taylor Dayne Pandora station. Trust me — you’ll thank me later.
Make these oatmeal chocolate chip cookie muffins.
Other fixes: a manicure, a restorative yoga class, losing an afternoon to magazines, splurging on neon pink flowers, or scribbling in a Lisa Frank notebook. Tiny joyful things add up. Hologram unicorns are optional but encouraged.
And then there’s soup — the kind so thick you almost question whether it’s soup. It’s rich and creamy and begs for a fat slice of baguette for dunking. Because baguette is life.
I’m ready to tell all this snow to take a long walk off a short pier. All last week I wore the brightest pink lipstick I own to ward off the winter gloom.
I even bought dyed grocery-store flowers that turned the water in my makeshift mason-jar vase pink and lime green. They brightened the house and kept spirits up. I’m so ready for evenings that stay light past five and for walks that don’t require eight layers of clothing.
For now, I’m leaving permanent dents in the couch and warming my lap with hot bowls of stew.
This stew reminded me of a favorite bean soup I shared years ago. Beans do something magical when simmered slowly — they become starchy, thick, and almost silky, so you’d swear there was cream or potatoes in the pot. It’s the kind of comfort food that fills you up and warms you from the inside.
What I love about this version is that there’s no ham bone required. It still delivers deep, savory flavor, and the greens add freshness. Also: bread. Always bread.
The pot builds flavor as it goes. A little bacon lends smoky richness, anchovies melt into the oil and bring savory depth, and the beans soften until they break down into a creamy base. Tossed greens offer a bit of chew and brightness. It’s perfect for scooping with crusty bread — exactly what a snowy day calls for.
I’m in love with this recipe.
Spicy Greens and Creamy Parmesan Bean Stew
4
to 6
4 hrs
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 anchovies, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 slices bacon, finely diced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound uncooked cannellini beans, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 6 cups water
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 parmesan cheese rind
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped (about 3 cups)
- 1 bunch flat-leaf spinach (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups arugula, chopped
- Shaved parmesan for topping
- A crusty baguette for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the anchovies and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, stirring until the anchovies dissolve into the oil. Add the bacon, onion, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, salt and smoked paprika and toss to coat. Cook until the bacon crisps and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another minute.
- Add the soaked beans, water, stock and parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are falling apart, most of the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is thick and creamy. Simmer covered for about 1.5 hours, then remove the lid for the remaining time. If the stew dries out, add more water or stock.
- Use a potato masher to smash some of the beans to thicken the stew. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or stock to reach your preferred consistency. Stir in the kale, spinach and arugula, and toss in the remaining red pepper flakes. Cook over low heat until the greens wilt, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or more red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately with shaved parmesan and plenty of crusty bread.
Notes
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That bowl absolutely deserves a face smash.