Beans and Greens with Lemon-Parmesan Polenta

• servings: 4 servings
• total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 lemon

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

Pinch red pepper flakes

1 medium head escarole, trimmed and torn into pieces (about 16 cups)

Kosher salt

1 (15 oz) can low-sodium white beans, rinsed

1 c. instant polenta

1 tbsp. unsalted butter

1/3 c. grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Directions

Using a vegetable peeler, remove three wide strips of lemon zest; very thinly slice zest.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven on medium. Add garlic, thyme, thinly sliced zest, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until garlic is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add escarole, in 2 batches if necessary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until escarole is beginning to wilt, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, fold in beans, and cook until escarole is tender and beans are heated through, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Meanwhile, cook polenta per package directions. Remove from heat and stir in butter and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then fold in Parmesan and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve escarole mixture over polenta with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan, if desired.