Creamy White Beans with Spinach
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
319 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy White Beans with Spinach
Description
Creamy White Beans with Spinach highlights the earthy flavors of cannellini beans melded with vibrant spinach and garlic sautéed in olive oil and shallots. Simmering the beans with vegetable broth softens them until a creamy texture is achieved, with the option to mash some beans for extra thickness. Parmesan cheese imparts a savory note while lemon juice adds brightness that cuts through the richness. Red pepper flakes introduce subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
The preparation relies on gentle sautéing and simmering to develop flavor and texture. The final result is a warm, creamy combination ideal for pairing with crusty bread to soak up the juices or accompanying grains or proteins. It offers a pleasant mix of tender beans and wilted greens with a smooth, slightly zesty sauce.
This recipe can be adapted to serve as a side or a vegetarian main and works well for simple meals throughout the week. The leftovers reheat easily and maintain their creamy consistency.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot chopped, large
- 4 cups spinach roughly chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 (15 oz) cannellini beans drained, canned
- 1 cup vegetable broth more if desired
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- bread for serving, crusty
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the shallot and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the beans and vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans will get creamy and thicken. If you want to break up some of the beans with a wooden spoon, you can.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and lemon juice. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, you can add a little extra vegetable broth.
- Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
- Serving with crusty bread is a traditional choice, but the beans also pair well with pasta, rice, polenta, eggs, or potatoes for varied meals.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 319 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 319kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 373mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 1181mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 3025IU | 61% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 269mg | 27% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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