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Broccoli potato white bean skillet with paprika without cheese in a wide pan.
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Broccoli Potato White Bean Skillet With Paprika Without Cheese

A broccoli potato white bean skillet with paprika without cheese works best when the potato and broccoli enter at different times. Small potato cubes receive a covered head start. Broccoli follows for a shorter steaming stage, and the cannellini beans warm only after both vegetables are tender. Garlic, sweet paprika and lemon provide the measured finish.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 1 batch (approximately 2–3 servings)

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • wide lidded skillet
  • Broad spatula
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Colander
  • Measuring tools
  • small fork for checking vegetables

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Start the potato color. Heat the oil over medium heat in the wide skillet. Add the potato cubes and spread them over the base. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, turning once, so a few surfaces begin to color. They do not need to be tender yet.
  2. Steam under the lid. Add the quarter cup of water and cover carefully. Maintain a gentle simmer for about 7 minutes. If the pan dries rapidly, lower the heat and add a spoonful of water rather than allowing the potato to burn beneath the lid.
  3. Check before adding broccoli. Lift a larger potato cube and test the center with a fork. It should be nearly tender, with only slight resistance. Give firm cubes more covered time before proceeding. This is the point to protect the later broccoli from overcooking.
  4. Add the broccoli. Spread the small florets among the potatoes. Cover for another 3–4 minutes, then check a stem. It should yield easily but keep its structure. Continue briefly if a representative thicker stem is still hard, using a little water only if the pan needs it.
  5. Clear pooled water. Uncover and let excess moisture evaporate. Fold the vegetables gently rather than tossing them hard. The pan should remain lightly moist, without a deep puddle that would dilute the short seasoning stage.
  6. Add garlic, paprika and beans. Stir in the garlic and sweet paprika for about 30 seconds. Fold in the drained cannellini beans and warm gently for about 2 minutes, or until the beans and vegetables are hot throughout. Use broad lifts to keep the beans whole.
  7. Finish and portion. Remove from the heat and fold in the teaspoon of lemon juice. Taste before adding salt and black pepper. Divide the potato cubes and broccoli first, then spoon beans into the remaining spaces so the portions have a similar balance.

Notes

  • Yield and timing: One batch makes 2 light main portions or 3 smaller servings. Allow about 10–12 minutes to prepare and 18–30 minutes to cook, following the two vegetable-tenderness checks.
  • Two covered stages: Cut potato into even ½-inch cubes. Start it first and test a large cube before adding broccoli. Small broccoli florets receive a shorter covered stage; check a representative stem before adding beans.
  • Seasoning: Uncover and clear pooled water, stir in garlic and paprika for about 30 seconds, then fold in cooked cannellini beans. Add measured lemon off heat. Do not add cheese or cream to the base recipe.
  • Leftovers: Refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C), at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use within 3–4 days and reheat to 165°F (74°C). FoodSafety.gov storage guidance.