Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: For the Dish:; 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, including liquid); ¼ cup vegan cream cheese; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ½ tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon); 3 cups spinach; Salt & pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s both vegan and gluten-free, Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are the perfect choice. This simple dish is made with minimal ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or a delightful side dish. The combination of lemon, garlic, and buttery beans creates a creamy, savory treat that everyone will enjoy. Serve it with a side of toasted bread for an extra comforting meal.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are the epitome of comfort food with a twist. The creamy texture comes from the butter beans combined with vegan cream cheese and the savory punch of garlic and lemon. It’s a flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare in under 20 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light vegetarian main. The best part? It’s vegan and gluten-free, so it fits a variety of dietary needs while still being delicious!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following 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, including the liquid)
¼ cup vegan cream cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
3 cups spinach
Salt & pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the ingredients: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic. If you have a garlic press, it will make the task easier.
Cook the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add in the diced shallots and minced garlic. Stir together and sauté for about 3 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the beans: Pour in the butter beans, including the liquid from the cans. This liquid helps make the beans extra creamy, so don’t strain them. Stir the beans and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, reducing some of the liquid and cooking the beans.
Stir in the creamy ingredients: Add the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Finish the dish: Turn off the heat and add the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and is well mixed into the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your creamy lemon garlic butter beans warm, alongside a slice of toasted bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil to the beans for a burst of freshness.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist to balance the creamy and zesty flavors.
Extra veggies: Feel free to add more veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, or even peas for added texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These creamy beans are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the beans for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the creamy broth may solidify when stored in the fridge or freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave or gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the butter beans with other beans like white beans or chickpeas, though butter beans have a creamy texture that works especially well in this dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently when ready to serve.

3. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan cream cheese?

Yes, if you’re not following a vegan diet, you can use regular cream cheese instead of the vegan version.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic and shallots.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even peas to boost the vegetable content and add more texture to the dish.

6. Can I serve this dish as a main course?

Yes, if you’re looking for a light, plant-based main course, this dish can be served on its own or with a side of toasted bread or quinoa.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure the bread you serve with it is also gluten-free if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

8. How do I prevent the beans from becoming too dry?

To avoid dry beans, be sure to keep the liquid from the canned butter beans when adding them to the pot. The liquid helps make the dish creamy.

9. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works great in this recipe! Just be sure to stir it in at the end so it wilts perfectly.

10. What can I serve these creamy butter beans with?

These creamy beans are perfect when served with toasted sourdough or spelt bread. You can also pair them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.

Conclusion

These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, vegan, and gluten-free dish that is both comforting and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy beans, tangy lemon, and savory garlic makes it a perfect side dish or light main course. With only 20 minutes of prep and cook time, this dish is ideal for busy days when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of toasted bread—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!