Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian American
Ingredients: 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot); 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 3 cups fresh spinach; 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, including liquid); ¼ cup vegan cream cheese; 3 tablespoons vegan butter; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ½ tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon); Salt and pepper to taste (at least ½ teaspoon pepper recommended)

Description

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans recipe is a quick and delicious plant-based dish combining tender butter beans with a zesty lemon garlic sauce and creamy vegan elements. Perfect for a nutritious, comforting meal, it features sautéed shallots and garlic, fresh spinach, and a smooth, tangy finish with vegan cream cheese and lemon zest. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for a healthy, satisfying dinner served warm alongside toasted bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 cups fresh spinach

Beans and Dairy Substitutes

30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, including liquid)
¼ cup vegan cream cheese
3 tablespoons vegan butter

Flavorings and Seasonings

2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
Salt and pepper to taste (at least ½ teaspoon pepper recommended)

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Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic to prepare for sautéing.
Saute Shallots and Garlic: In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add Beans: Pour in the canned butter beans including the liquid (do not strain). Simmer this mixture for 5 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 2 minutes until everything is well combined and creamy.
Add Spinach: Turn off the heat, then add the fresh spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and integrates into the creamy bean mixture.
Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally accompanied by toasted bread for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

Do not strain the butter beans; the liquid helps build the creamy sauce.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright flavor.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
This recipe is naturally vegan and can be adapted for gluten-free by choosing gluten-free bread.
Serve immediately for the best texture, as spinach wilts quickly.