Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans recipe features tender butter beans simmered in a flavorful blend of vegan butter, garlic, shallots, and creamy vegan cream cheese, enhanced with fresh lemon juice and zest. Finished with vibrant spinach, it offers a comforting yet bright plant-based dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups spinach
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
Beans & Dairy Alternatives
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans including the liquid, do not strain)
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
Fats & Seasonings
- 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste (recommend at least ½ teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic to prepare them for sautéing.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, and sauté them gently for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Beans: Pour in the canned butter beans along with their liquid. This liquid helps keep the beans creamy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to heat the beans through and blend flavors.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer everything together for an additional 2 minutes to combine the creamy texture with bright lemon notes.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts gently in the residual heat, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste (at least ½ teaspoon pepper recommended). Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with toasted bread for dipping.
Notes
- Do not strain the canned butter beans; the liquid adds creaminess to the dish.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference, but the pepper enhances depth.
- Serve with crusty toasted bread or as a side to grains for a complete meal.
- This recipe is vegan and can be made gluten-free if the bread is gluten-free.
