Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans recipe is a delightful vegan dish combining tender butter beans with a luscious blend of vegan butter, cream cheese, fresh lemon, garlic, and spinach. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, perfect as a comforting side or light main served with toasted bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Beans & Dairy Alternatives
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, including liquid)
- 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
Fats & Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (recommend at least 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves. Using a garlic press is recommended for a finer mince and easier integration into the dish.
- Melt Butter: Add the vegan butter to a large pot and melt it over medium heat until sizzling to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir frequently and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
- Add Butter Beans: Pour in both cans of butter beans along with their liquid into the pot. Do not strain the liquid as it contributes to the creamy texture. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let the beans simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce some of the liquid and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cream Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. Bring the pot back to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Wilt Spinach and Season: Turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach is just wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
- Serve: Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with a thick slice of toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this comforting vegan dish!
Notes
- Using the canned bean liquid adds extra creaminess; do not drain the beans.
- For extra flavor, fresh lemon zest is preferred over dried lemon powder.
- Adjust the garlic quantity if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegan American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butter beans, vegan butter beans, lemon garlic beans, creamy beans, vegan side dish, easy vegan recipe, vegan comfort food
