Save to Pins This vibrant Vegan Lemon Garlic White Bean Skillet brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table in just 25 minutes. Creamy white beans simmered with aromatic garlic and onions create a protein-rich base, while fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. The star of the show is the bright lemon zest and juice that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced one-pan meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious.
Save to Pins This Mediterranean-inspired skillet transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. The beans become infused with garlic and lemon, creating a creamy texture without any dairy. The wilted spinach adds a pop of color and earthy flavor that balances the bright acidity of the lemon. It's the perfect weeknight meal when you want something nutritious and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 oz (140 g) fresh baby spinach
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add beans and seasonings
- Add the drained white beans to the skillet. Season with dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently to coat the beans in the aromatics.
- Incorporate spinach
- Add the spinach and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with lemon
- Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together. Cook for another minute to heat through.
- Serve
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best flavor, add the lemon juice at the end of cooking to preserve its bright taste. When zesting the lemon, be careful to only remove the yellow outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can lightly mash about a quarter of the beans with the back of your wooden spoon while cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile dish welcomes many adaptations. Try adding cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor. For a heartier version, mix in some cooked quinoa or farro. Mediterranean flavor lovers can incorporate olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes. If you're not strictly vegan, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan adds a savory depth.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this vibrant skillet as a main dish with crusty gluten-free bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. It also works beautifully as a side dish alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or your favorite gluten-free grain. Add a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil and an extra squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Save to Pins This Vegan Lemon Garlic White Bean Skillet exemplifies how plant-based cooking can be both effortless and extraordinary. With its protein-rich beans, nutrient-packed spinach, and bright citrus notes, it's a perfect example of Mediterranean cuisine's ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Keep this recipe in your regular rotation for those evenings when you want something nourishing, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute cannellini beans with other beans?
Yes, chickpeas or navy beans work well as alternatives and provide a similar creamy texture.
- → How do I prevent spinach from becoming too watery?
Add spinach in batches, stirring gently to allow moisture to evaporate, and cook just until wilted.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Absolutely, omit or reduce red pepper flakes for milder flavors, or increase for more heat.
- → What is the best way to enhance creaminess?
Adding a splash of coconut milk or vegan cream before serving enriches the texture beautifully.
- → What sides complement this skillet well?
Serve with crusty gluten-free bread or cooked quinoa for a more filling experience.