Dinner · Bean skillet
Lemon Garlic Butter Bean Skillet
Canned butter beans turn creamy in a little broth without a long simmer. Lemon zest brightens their mild flavor and spinach folds into the warm pan at the end.
Jump to ingredients
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsedEden Foods: USDA Organic
1 tablespoon olive oilBragg: USDA Organic- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Amounts above are for cooking. Products are sold in retail packages; pantry extras may be needed.
Method
Soften the garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
Simmer the beans
Add beans, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 8 minutes, stirring carefully so the beans mostly keep their shape.
Wilt the spinach
Fold in spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Mash a spoonful of beans against the pan and stir back in to thicken the broth.
Add the lemon
Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice. Taste for salt, then spoon into bowls while steaming hot; allow about 15 minutes total on the stove.
Kitchen tips
Rinse gently in a colander to keep the soft beans intact.
Add a splash of water if the broth evaporates before the spinach wilts.
Substitutions
Use drained canned cannellini beans if butter beans are unavailable.
For a gluten-free or dairy-free variation, choose a compatible broth and any serving bread by label; no cream is needed.
Storage
Refrigerate within 2 hours at 40°F or below for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to 165°F.
Serving suggestions
Divide into two shallow bowls and offer crusty bread separately; the listed allergens do not include optional bread.
Make ahead
Rinse beans and mince garlic one day ahead; refrigerate separately. Add spinach and lemon only when cooking for the freshest texture.
Allergen details
Check each product label for allergen details.
Shop the ingredients
Current retail packages for this recipe. Check quantities and labels before buying.
Add one of each available product. Pantry extras are not included.
- Eden Foods Butter Beans Organic - 15 oz × 1 — $4.52
- Bragg - Olive Oil - Organic - Extra Virgin - 16 fl oz × 1 — $22.38
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Read recipe →Frequently asked questions
Are butter beans made with dairy butter?
The supplied beans list butter beans, water and kombu seaweed; the name describes the bean. Check your current can and broth labels.
How can I make the broth thicker?
Mash a few beans and simmer briefly. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can break all the beans apart.