Craving a quick, nutritious, and mouthwatering dish that will transform your weeknight dinner? Look no further than this incredible White Bean and Spinach recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body in just 25 minutes! Imagine a perfectly balanced meal that combines creamy white beans, vibrant spinach, and aromatic garlic – a vegetarian dream that will make you forget all about boring, bland health foods.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly in a colander, ensuring all excess liquid is removed. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm and become fragrant, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the heated olive oil. Sauté the garlic gently, stirring continuously to prevent burning, until it becomes golden and releases its aromatic flavor, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Add the drained white beans to the skillet. Stir to coat the beans with the garlic-infused olive oil, ensuring even distribution.
- Cook the beans for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing them to warm through and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Gradually add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beans. The spinach will begin to wilt and reduce in volume.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach is completely wilted and beans are heated thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, optionally garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Garlic Technique: Watch your garlic closely when sautéing – golden is delicious, but burnt is bitter. Keep it moving in the pan.
- Spinach Wilting: Add spinach gradually and stir quickly to ensure even wilting without overcooking.
- Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding spinach for the most balanced flavor profile.
- Optional Upgrades: Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or some grated Parmesan for extra richness.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, over rice, or as a side to grilled proteins.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
