Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are a quick and flavorful vegan and gluten-free dish that combines tender butter beans with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, spinach, and creamy vegan cheese. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or side dish, it can be prepared in just 20 minutes using simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans with liquid included - do not strain)
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- 3 cups spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste (recommend at least ½ teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves. Using a garlic press is recommended for finer garlic pieces and ease.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium heat until sizzling.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add Butter Beans: Add both cans of butter beans along with all the liquid into the pot. Do not strain the liquid, as it will help create a creamy texture. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Beans: Once simmering, cook for 5 minutes to reduce some liquid and allow the beans to cook through thoroughly.
- Add Cream Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. Return the pot to a simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Wilt Spinach and Season: Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach until it wilts in the residual heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with a big slice of toasted bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Do not strain the liquid from canned butter beans as it adds creaminess to the dish.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper levels based on your preference, but at least ½ teaspoon pepper is recommended for balance.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free friendly by using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as the spinach wilts quickly.
