If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then let me introduce you to this incredible Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of buttery beans, tangy lemon, and savory garlic all enveloped in a luscious, creamy texture that’s both comforting and bright. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of freshness from the lemon and creaminess from the vegan butter and cream cheese, making it a standout side or even a main for cozy nights in. This recipe is incredibly simple but packed with flavor that never fails to impress, no matter who you’re serving it to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe truly special is how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something so flavorful. Every item in this list plays a pivotal role, from the aromatic shallots and garlic that form the base, to the creamy vegan butter and cream cheese that create smoothness, plus the vibrant spinach and zesty lemon that give the dish its signature brightness and color.
- Shallots (2 small or 1 large): Adds a sweet, mild onion flavor that enhances the garlic without overpowering it.
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, finely minced): Brings a pungent, savory depth essential for that irresistible garlic punch.
- Vegan butter (3 tablespoons): Creates richness and a silky texture to bind all the flavors together.
- Canned butter beans (30 ounces with liquid): The creamy base beans that soak up all the savory goodness while keeping the dish hearty.
- Vegan cream cheese (¼ cup): Adds tangy creaminess, helping balance the lemon’s brightness beautifully.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dish with fresh acidity, lifting every bite with vibrant flavor.
- Lemon zest (½ tablespoon): Packs concentrated citrus aroma, making the lemon flavor pop even more.
- Spinach (3 cups): Provides a fresh, green finish and an extra dose of nutrients without heaviness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything into perfect harmony; don’t skimp on black pepper for that slight kick.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by finely dicing the shallots and mincing the garlic cloves. This prep is key because these aromatics will form the flavorful foundation of your dish, sautéing into a fragrant base that invites everyone to the table.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, but not browned. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and mellows the garlic’s bite perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Butter Beans
Pour in the canned butter beans along with all the liquid from the cans—don’t strain! The liquid is packed with starch that helps create that silky, creamy consistency. Simmer the beans for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to soften even more.
Step 4: Stir in Creamy Ingredients
Next comes the magic touch. Mix in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest right into the pot. Let it simmer gently for an additional 2 minutes. This step creates that signature luscious creaminess while the lemon adds a lively zing, making this recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. The residual warmth will wilt the spinach just right, adding a gorgeous green contrast both visually and in flavor, plus a freshness that brightens the overall dish.
Step 6: Season to Taste and Serve
Finally, season with salt and plenty of freshly ground pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—the pepper brings a subtle heat that balances the creamy and citrus notes so beautifully. Serve it warm alongside toasted bread or your choice of a side.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
When you’re ready to plate your Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish with vibrant color and subtle herbal notes. A little extra lemon zest on top adds that final burst of citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with toasted artisan bread, which helps you scoop up every creamy bite. It also complements light grain dishes like quinoa or couscous and goes beautifully alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad if you want to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the beans in individual small bowls or ramekins, topped with a lemon wedge for an interactive citrus squeeze. You could also turn this into a creamy bean toast spread—simply spoon atop grilled sourdough and garnish with microgreens for an easy yet elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from your Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beans will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their creamy texture and bright flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled beans into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen beans can be kept for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your beans over low heat with a splash of water or plant-based milk to revive that creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and season again if needed, as flavors can mellow a bit after storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned butter beans?
Absolutely! Fresh or dried butter beans can work beautifully, though you’ll want to cook them thoroughly before adding to the recipe. Using canned beans with the liquid is convenient and helps maintain that creamy base.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! We use vegan butter and cream cheese, so it’s completely plant-based. Plus, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish accessible and delicious for many dietary preferences.
Can I substitute the vegan cream cheese for something else?
If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, a splash of full-fat coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream can also add creaminess while keeping the texture smooth and rich.
How tangy is this dish? Will it overpower the beans?
The lemon juice and zest add a lively brightness but are balanced perfectly by the creamy butter and cream cheese. The result is a harmonious flavor that complements rather than overwhelms the beans.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can be wonderful substitutes. Just make sure to add them at the end to wilt gently, preserving their texture and color.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a cozy, flavorful dish to their meal rotation. It’s simple, versatile, and packed with fresh, bright flavors that elevate humble ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are a rich and flavorful vegan dish combining tender butter beans simmered with aromatic shallots, garlic, and a creamy blend of vegan butter and cream cheese. Enhanced with fresh lemon juice, zest, and spinach, this comforting recipe makes a perfect warm side or light main course.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Canned Goods
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, with liquid included)
Dairy Alternatives
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
Pantry
- 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 for sautéing.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans: Pour the canned butter beans into the pot along with their liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, blending the flavors and creating a creamy texture.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the beans.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, recommending at least ½ teaspoon of pepper. Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally accompanied by toasted bread.
Notes
- Do not drain the canned butter beans; keep the liquid as it adds creaminess and flavor to the dish.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for optimal brightness and freshness in flavor.
- Adjust salt levels carefully as canned beans can be somewhat salted already.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with toasted rustic or sourdough bread for a complete meal.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
