Description
These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are rich, zesty, and incredibly comforting! Tender butter beans simmer in a silky lemon garlic sauce with fresh spinach and vegan cream cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy one-pot vegan recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 small shallots, finely diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, including the liquid (do not drain)
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves.
- Melt the butter: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the vegan butter and allow it to melt until gently sizzling.
- Sauté the garlic and shallots: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the butter beans: Pour both cans of butter beans into the pot, including all the liquid. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Add the vegan cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the beans. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach until completely wilted.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy butter beans into bowls and serve immediately with warm, toasted bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t drain the beans: The starchy liquid helps create the signature creamy sauce.
- Use fresh lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the brightest flavor.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for another minute or two.
- Add extra flavor: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or basil before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the creamy texture.
- Serving suggestion: Enjoy with toasted sourdough bread, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Gluten-free option: Serve with gluten-free bread or rice and check packaged ingredient labels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg