Description
A delicious and creamy vegan dish featuring tender butter beans simmered with garlic, shallots, and a zesty lemon butter sauce, finished with fresh spinach for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick and comforting plant-based dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 small shallots, diced, or 1 large shallot
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Other Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans with liquid, do not strain)
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ Tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- Salt & pepper to taste (recommend at least ½ teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic carefully to ensure even cooking and release of aroma.
- Saute Shallots and Garlic: Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, then sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent but not browned.
- Add Beans: Pour in the canned butter beans along with their liquid into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to warm the beans and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated. Continue simmering for an additional 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and immediately add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired. Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with toasted bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use canned butter beans with liquid to create a creamy sauce without adding extra broth or water.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for desired brightness and acidity.
- For a richer flavor, select a high-quality vegan butter and cream cheese.
- Serve with toasted crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian.
