Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
This creamy lemon garlic butter beans recipe is a quick and flavorful plant-based dish combining tender butter beans with a rich, tangy lemon garlic butter sauce and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting yet light meal, it uses vegan butter and cream cheese to create a luscious, dairy-free creaminess that pairs beautifully with bright citrus notes and savory garlic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Legumes
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, with the liquid included)
Dairy Alternatives & Fats
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- Salt and pepper to taste (recommend at least 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep the aromatics: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves. Using a garlic press is recommended for easy mincing.
- Melt vegan butter: In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat until it begins to sizzle, creating the base for sautéing.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir frequently and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add butter beans and simmer: Pour in the two cans of butter beans including all their liquid (do not strain). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce some liquid and allow beans to cook through.
- Add cream cheese and lemon: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well mixed. Return the pot to a simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Wilt the spinach and season: Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve warm: Remove the pot from heat and serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with a slice of toasted bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not strain the canned butter beans; the liquid helps create a creamy texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference, but a good amount of pepper enhances the dish.
- Perfect served with toasted bread or as a side dish.
- This dish is vegan and can be gluten-free if served with gluten-free bread.
