Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
Ingredients: 2 small shallots, diced; 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 3 cups fresh spinach; 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, with liquid included); 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese; 3 Tablespoons vegan butter; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 Tablespoon lemon zest; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are a delicious plant-based comfort food that comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Tender butter beans simmered in a zesty, garlicky, and velvety sauce make this dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive side.

The image shows a close-up of a rich creamy dish in a speckled bowl with a textured rim. The dish has three main layers: large, light yellow butter beans that are soft and plump fill most of the space, surrounded by bright green spinach leaves that add color and texture, all sitting in a smooth, pale yellow creamy sauce. A large lemon wedge with bright yellow skin and pale flesh rests on the edge of the bowl. The mixture is topped with specks of black pepper. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 small shallots, diced
4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons vegan butter
30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, with liquid included)
1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
3 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the diced shallots and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the canned butter beans along with their liquid and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Stir in the vegan cream cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 6: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Step 7: Fold in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve warm immediately.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute shallots with a small yellow onion if preferred.
Cannellini beans make an excellent alternative if butter beans are unavailable.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or plant milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with a creamy dish featuring large, soft white beans soaked in a pale yellow sauce. Bright green spinach leaves are scattered throughout, adding a fresh contrast to the smooth sauce and beans. A thin lemon wedge with vibrant yellow skin and pale yellow flesh rests on one edge of the bowl, enhancing the visual appeal. The bowl is white with speckled brown edges and sits on a white marbled surface. The sauce is slightly glossy with small specks of black pepper sprinkled over the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, but fresh beans require longer cooking. Soak and cook them until tender before proceeding with the recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.