Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and pale gold.
- Add the sliced garlic, rosemary sprig, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes over medium-low, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to color.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine and raise the heat to medium. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes reduce slightly and darken in color.
- Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable stock, and parmesan rind if using. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Using a wooden spoon, press 4 to 5 beans firmly against the side of the skillet until they mash into the sauce. This thickens the liquid without adding any starch.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and the beans are fully warmed through.
- Remove the rosemary sprig and parmesan rind. Add the spinach in two batches, folding it in and waiting for each batch to wilt before adding the next, about 2 minutes total.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and finish with a drizzle of raw extra-virgin olive oil.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.
Notes
A parmesan rind simmered in the sauce adds slow, savory depth - keep them in a zip-lock bag in the freezer so you always have one on hand. If the sauce tightens too much before serving, stir in a splash of stock to loosen it.
