Kale and Ricotta White Bean Casserole

Originally a recipe we found on a Weight Watchers board, we've experimented with this dish to make it more satisfying, filling, and popping with flavor for a meatless Monday. It's also pretty quick to make, but you can make it ahead and freeze or refrigerate it until you're ready to cook it. When we're in a hurry, we use 2 cups of frozen spinach, which does not need to be sauteed before adding it to the casserole.

If you follow Weight Watchers, one 1-cup serving is 4 points plus and counts for 2 vegetable servings and one milk serving. If you don't follow Weight Watchers, just know that it's a low-calorie dish full of veggies and fiber and a healthy dose of fat-free dairy.

Ingredients

1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cups kale or spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup white onion, chopped
2 clove garlic, minced
8 oz fresh mushroom(s), sliced
2 15-oz cans Great Northern or Cannellini beans, drained
1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 tsp basil, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups coarse low-fat bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp parsley, minced

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x11 pan with cooking oil.

In a skillet, heat the oil and pepper flakes until the pepper begins to sizzle. Add the kale or spinach, onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Saute until slightly tender, then place in a bowl.

Stir together the ricotta, egg,, and basil, and add to the vegetables. Stir in the salt and pepper. Spread this mixture out into the baking pan. Mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley, then sprinkle over the top.

Bake until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through, about 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 4-6.