Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
A quick and comforting vegan dish featuring creamy lemon garlic butter beans cooked with shallots, garlic, and vegan butter, finished with spinach and a tangy touch of lemon. Perfect for a nutritious and hearty meal ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Contemporary
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups spinach
- 1/2 Tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
Dairy Alternatives & Fats
- 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
Legumes & Canned Goods
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans with liquid, do not strain)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste (recommend at least 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves. Using a garlic press is recommended if available for finer texture.
- Melt Vegan Butter: In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat until sizzling.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir well and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
- Add Butter Beans with Liquid: Pour in the two cans of butter beans including their liquid. Do not strain the beans as the liquid adds creaminess. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce some liquid and cook the beans through.
- Add Cream Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until fully combined. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach and Season: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Season the dish with salt and pepper to your preference, aiming for at least 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and salt to taste.
- Serve Warm: Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with a big slice of toasted bread for a comforting meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Do not strain the butter beans liquid—it helps to create the creamy texture of the dish.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright, citrusy flavor.
- Can be served as a side dish or a main paired with toasted bread or grains.
- Vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives are essential to keep this recipe fully vegan.
