Smoky Beans and Greens on Toast

Ingredients for Smoky Beans and Greens on Toast

• 4 (1-inch-thick) slices crusty country bread

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 110g (about 4 strips) smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, plus more for dusting

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt

• 1 large bunch or 2 small bunches (about 230g total) lacinato kale, stems re-moved and leaves torn into medium-size pieces, washed, and shaken dry (there should be a little water still clinging to the leaves)

• 3 1/2 cups drained Cannellini Beans with Sweet Paprika and Garlic or 2 (425g) cans white beans, rinsed and drained

• 475ml bean broth or water

Heat a large, heavy (preferably cast-iron) skillet over medium. Brush the bread on both sides with the olive oil. Lay the bread in the skillet and cook, pressing occasionally with a spatula, until crisp and golden brown, about 90 seconds per side. (If your slices are large, you may have to do this in two batches.) Set the bread aside.

Heat a Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until it has browned a little and rendered at least a tablespoon of fat, about 4 minutes. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it has softened and turned golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, thyme (if using), red pepper flakes, and, if you’re using canned beans, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and cook, stirring, for a minute or two.

Add the slightly wet kale in batches, using tongs to stir the leaves into the onion mixture; wait for one handful of kale to wilt and shrink before adding the next. When the last of the greens has been added, add the beans and broth. Raise the heat and let the beans and greens simmer for a minute or two, just to warm the beans and bring the flavours together. Taste and add more kosher salt if necessary.

Serve the greens and beans over the toast in wide, shallow bowls, dusted with a little more smoked paprika.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.