If you’re looking for a soul-warming dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly simple to make, the Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This recipe combines tender butter beans simmered right in their own luscious liquid, infused with vibrant lemon zest, garlicky goodness, and the richness of vegan butter and cream cheese. The fresh spinach added at the end ties everything together with a splash of color and nutrition. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that feels both comforting and fresh — ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right means having a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From aromatic shallots and garlic to creamy vegan butter and tangy lemon, every element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and brightness.
- Shallots: Use 2 small or 1 large, finely diced for a mild onion flavor that gently sweetens the dish.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced to infuse the beans with that unmistakable punch of aromatic warmth.
- Vegan Butter: 3 tablespoons to add richness and help sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- Butter Beans: 30 ounces (2 cans) with liquid included to keep the beans tender and creamy as they cook.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: ¼ cup to make the sauce silky and indulgently creamy without dairy.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons for a bright, fresh acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- Lemon Zest: ½ tablespoon, or zest from one lemon, bringing sharp citrus notes with a fragrant twist.
- Spinach: 3 cups fresh for vibrant color and a mild earthy note, wilted just right at the end.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, with a recommendation of at least ½ teaspoon pepper to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by finely dicing the shallots and mincing the garlic. These small steps pack the biggest punch in flavor, setting a fragrant foundation for the dish. Having your lemon ready with juice and zest prepped will make the cooking process effortless.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
In a large pot over medium heat, melt your vegan butter until it’s gently bubbling. Toss in the diced shallots and minced garlic and let them sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and aromatic but not browned. This step brings out their sweetness and gives the dish a beautifully savory base.
Step 3: Add Butter Beans and Simmer
Now, add the canned butter beans along with their liquid directly to the pot. The liquid is a secret weapon for extra creaminess, so don’t strain it out. Simmer the beans gently for 5 minutes to allow all those flavors to mingle and the beans to soften even more.
Step 4: Stir in Creamy Ingredients
Next, stir in the vegan cream cheese along with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. This mixture swirls into the beans, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce bursting with tangy citrus notes. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so everything melds perfectly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach
Turn off the heat and fold in your spinach. The residual warmth will wilt the greens just right, adding a fresh pop of color and a slight earthiness that perfectly balances the rich, creamy butter bean mixture.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish generously with salt and at least ½ teaspoon black pepper to bring out all the layers of flavor. Serve it warm, ideally with some crusty toasted bread to mop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a touch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. A light drizzle of additional lemon juice can brighten every spoonful just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with rustic sourdough bread or crusty baguettes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside roasted vegetables or crispy tofu for extra texture and protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning plating, serve the beans over a bed of quinoa or creamy polenta. You could also turn this into a vibrant grain bowl, topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. It’s versatile and delicious no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only deepen after a day or two, making it a fantastic meal to prepare ahead and enjoy later during busy days.
Freezing
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Reheat the dish slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or plant milk if it feels too thick, restoring the creamy consistency that’s so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned butter beans?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh or dried beans, make sure to cook them fully beforehand. Using fresh beans will add a bit more texture and make the dish slightly lighter. Just add a bit of vegetable broth to replace the liquid from the canned beans.
Is there a substitute for vegan cream cheese?
If you don’t have vegan cream cheese on hand, you can use cashew cream or a creamy plant-based yogurt. These alternatives will still provide that lovely creaminess but may alter the slight tang slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to pair it with gluten-free bread or sides to keep the entire meal safe for gluten-sensitive friends or family.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in diced tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or even mushrooms in the sauté step. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
What’s the best way to get the lemon flavor just right?
Using both lemon juice and zest adds depth to the citrus flavor. Freshly zest the lemon just before cooking to keep those bright oils intact, and add the juice near the end to maintain vibrant acidity without overpowering the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe. It’s comforting, fresh, and utterly satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests with something a little special, this dish has that perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and savory you’ll crave again and again. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll want to make it a regular on your menu!
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Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and creamy vegan dish featuring tender butter beans simmered with garlic, shallots, and a zesty lemon butter sauce, finished with fresh spinach for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick and comforting plant-based dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 small shallots, diced, or 1 large shallot
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Other Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans with liquid, do not strain)
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ Tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- Salt & pepper to taste (recommend at least ½ teaspoon pepper)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic carefully to ensure even cooking and release of aroma.
- Saute Shallots and Garlic: Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, then sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent but not browned.
- Add Beans: Pour in the canned butter beans along with their liquid into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to warm the beans and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated. Continue simmering for an additional 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and immediately add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired. Serve the creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, ideally with toasted bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use canned butter beans with liquid to create a creamy sauce without adding extra broth or water.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for desired brightness and acidity.
- For a richer flavor, select a high-quality vegan butter and cream cheese.
- Serve with toasted crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
