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
Scale
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.
