Cannellini Beans with Cabbage and Cumin Seeds

It’s hard to imagine a more humble combination than beans and cabbage. This simplest of dishes is based on an ancient Italian soup called jota. If it’s available, use the crinkly-leafed savoy cabbage; it has a more delicate flavor and texture.

This makes a modest but nourishing stew that would be nicely complemented by a special salad, like the Salad of Roasted and Pickled Vegetables or something simpler but clean and robust, like