Ingredients — 4 Servings
Main Ingredients
- 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Lemon wedges for serving
Full Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the beans
Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Set them aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Add the seasonings
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Salt
Stir for about 20–30 seconds to release the flavors.
4. Add the beans
Add the drained white beans and gently toss everything together.
Pour in the ½ cup broth and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The beans should become hot and lightly coated in the flavorful sauce.
5. Add the spinach
Add the fresh spinach in handfuls.
Cook for 2–4 minutes, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts down and mixes with the beans.
6. Finish with lemon
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed.
7. Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate.
Top with fresh parsley, a small drizzle of olive oil, and optional Parmesan. Serve warm.
Time & Servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: ~25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nut & Allergen Information
Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are required.
Potential allergens:
- Parmesan contains milk/dairy
- Chicken broth may contain soy, wheat, or other allergens, depending on the brand
For a completely dairy-free version, simply leave out the Parmesan.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, without Parmesan:
- Calories: ~300–330 kcal
- Protein: ~13–15 g
- Carbohydrates: ~40–45 g
- Fat: ~11–13 g
- Fiber: ~10–12 g
- Sodium: ~450–650 mg
Values are approximate and depend on the type of beans and broth used.
Q&A
Q: Can I use dried beans?
Yes. Cook them completely until tender before adding them to the recipe.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Use about 2 cups thawed and well-drained frozen spinach.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
Q: Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or a poached egg can be served alongside the beans.
Q: How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.