If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels indulgent yet vibrant and fresh, this Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, buttery beans swimming in a luscious vegan butter and cream cheese base, brightened up by zesty lemon and fragrant garlic—that perfect harmony of creamy texture and lively citrus notes makes this dish truly unforgettable. It’s quick to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough to serve as a comforting main or a show-stopping side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating a dish full of flavor, creaminess, and freshness. From the rich vegan butter that melts into the beans, to the bright lemon zest that lifts the whole dish, every ingredient has a purpose.
- Shallots: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor that forms the flavorful base.
- Garlic: Minced finely to spread its fragrant, savory punch throughout the dish.
- Vegan Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture ensuring every bite feels luxurious.
- Butter Beans (canned): The star ingredient offering softness and creaminess with their natural starches.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: Brings extra creaminess and a tangy note to round out the lemon’s brightness.
- Lemon Juice: Injects fresh acidity to balance the buttery richness perfectly.
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies that fresh citrus aroma and flavor punch without any bitterness.
- Spinach: Adds vibrant color, earthiness, and a tender crunch when wilted just right.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, cutting through and enhancing flavors seamlessly.
How to Make Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics
Start by finely dicing your shallots and mincing the garlic cloves. These small steps make sure their flavors fully develop and disperse evenly, creating that fragrant foundation that pulls the dish together.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the shallots and garlic. Let them gently sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their sweet, garlicky aroma. This step is what infuses the entire dish with warmth and depth.
Step 3: Add the Butter Beans with Their Liquid
Pour in the canned butter beans along with their creamy liquid—don’t drain it! The liquid is packed with flavor and natural starches that contribute to the dish’s rich texture. Simmer everything together for 5 minutes to let the beans soak up the savory butter and aromatics.
Step 4: Stir in Creamy Ingredients
Next, gently mix in the vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. The cream cheese melts smoothly into the beans, making the dish incredibly creamy, while the lemon juice and zest brighten every spoonful with fresh citrus notes. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to marry all these luscious flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Turn off the heat, then add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it in until the spinach wilts just enough to soften but still keeps its beautiful vibrant green color. This adds a burst of freshness and a lovely tender texture to contrast the creaminess of the beans.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season the Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe generously with salt and pepper. A good balance here really helps each flavor shine. Serve it warm, ideally alongside a crusty toasted bread for dipping into that buttery, lemony sauce—pure comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon slices can elevate this dish beautifully, adding fresh color and an extra zing of citrus aroma. A light drizzle of extra vegan butter or a pinch of smoked paprika can also make it feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty sourdough bread, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables. The creamy beans offer a rich, zesty counterpoint that complements hearty grains and lighter greens alike, turning your meal into a well-rounded, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe as a topping on baked potatoes or toast for a quick lunch. You can also spoon it over warm polenta or toss it with cooked pasta to create a bright lemony bean pasta dish that’s unique and soul-satisfyingly creamy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect to prepare in advance and enjoy as leftovers for a quick, comforting meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though beans can change texture a little after freezing. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beans slowly over low-medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You might want to add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Reheat until steaming hot and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh butter beans, cook them until tender before adding to the recipe. Keep in mind fresh beans won’t have the thick liquid from the can, so you might need to add a bit of plant milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Is this dish very lemony or just subtly flavored?
The lemon flavor strikes a bright, balanced note without overpowering the creamy base. It adds a fresh zing that lifts the dish, making it lively and refreshing rather than sour or sharp.
Can I substitute the vegan cream cheese for something else?
Yes! Silken tofu, cashew cream, or even coconut cream work well if you want to keep the creaminess and tang. Just adjust the quantities a bit to achieve similar richness and lemon balance.
What type of vegan butter works best?
Choose a vegan butter with a neutral or slightly savory flavor that melts well. Plant-based buttery spreads or refined coconut oil blends work fantastically for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use canned beans and vegan butter without gluten-containing additives. It’s a perfect choice for gluten-free and vegan diets alike.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the scoop on this incredible Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe, I can’t wait for you to whip it up in your own kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and bright, easy to make yet impressively flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that promises warmth, comfort, and a burst of fresh zest with every bite. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this creamy, lemony bean delight!
Print
Creamy Vegan Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans recipe is a quick and flavorful vegan dish that combines tender butter beans with a rich, creamy lemon garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach and bright lemon zest, this comforting meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served warm with toasted bread.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 small shallots, diced (or 1 large shallot)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Pantry
- 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, including liquid)
- Salt & pepper to taste (recommend at least ½ teaspoon pepper)
Dairy & Alternatives
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves to prepare them for sautéing.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Beans: Pour in the canned butter beans along with the liquid from the cans. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to heat through and let flavors meld.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue simmering for another 2 minutes to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts completely, folding it into the creamy bean mixture.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, ideally with toasted bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegan cream cheese with a plant-based sour cream or cashew cream for variation.
- For extra protein, add some cooked plant-based sausage or grilled tofu on the side.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest for a brighter or milder lemon flavor according to your preference.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated and can be gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
