A simple, hearty Mediterranean-style dish made with creamy white beans, fresh spinach, garlic, lemon, and herbs. It works beautifully as a light main dish or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 5–6 cups fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan, optional
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add beans: Stir in the white beans, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lightly mash a small portion of the beans with the back of a spoon to make the mixture creamier.
- Add spinach: Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and drizzle with a little extra olive oil.
Tips
- Cannellini beans give the creamiest texture, but Great Northern or navy beans also work.
- For a richer dish, stir in 2–3 tbsp cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Add diced tomatoes for a tomato-based version.
- Serve with toasted crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Q&A
Q: Can I use dried white beans?
Yes. Cook them until tender first, then use about 3 cups cooked beans.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it.
Q: How long does it keep?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the spinach texture may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze in portions for up to 2–3 months.
Quick Summary
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min | Serves: 4
Creamy white beans + garlicky spinach + lemon + herbs = an easy, comforting Mediterranean dish!