Zesty Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach Recipe: Hearty Comfort

Creamy, aromatic Tuscan butter beans with spinach dance on the culinary stage, promising a delightful Mediterranean escape.

These tender legumes simmer in a rich, garlicky sauce that whispers of Italian countryside kitchens.

Earthy spinach adds vibrant green notes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly, turning a simple dish into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of olive oil elevate this recipe from basic to memorable.

Each spoonful offers comfort and nourishment, transporting you to sun-drenched Italian landscapes.

Prepare to fall in love with this soul-warming vegetarian delight that celebrates fresh, honest ingredients.

Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach, The Draw

• This one-pan wonder delivers rich, creamy flavors without complicated cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.
• Packed with protein-rich beans, leafy spinach, and aromatic herbs, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a wholesome, satisfying meal.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like using different herbs or adding protein, making it versatile for various dietary preferences and pantry contents.
• Single-pan preparation means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delectable meal without dreading kitchen cleanup afterwards.

Ingredient Rundown for Tuscan Butter Beans

• Butter Beans: Creamy, tender legumes that provide a rich, hearty base for this Tuscan-inspired dish.
• Spinach: Vibrant green leafy vegetable that adds nutritional value and a fresh flavor to the recipe.
• Cream: Luxurious dairy product that creates a smooth, velvety texture and enhances the overall richness.

• Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic alliums that build a deep, savory foundation for the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-tangy ingredient that adds intense Mediterranean flavor.
• Basil: Fragrant herb that brings a classic Italian herbal note to the recipe.

• Salt, Paprika: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle brightness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich umami flavor.
• Stock: Flavorful liquid that helps simmer and infuse the beans with additional depth.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Infused oil that carries extra flavor when used for initial sautéing.

Essential Equipment for Tuscan Beans and Spinach

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing and simmering ingredients with even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sharp knife: Helps in precise and quick ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately adding salt, paprika, and other seasonings.
• Cheese grater: Helps grate fresh Parmesan for a more authentic flavor.

Directions for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat the fragrant sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over gentle heat.

Sauté finely chopped shallots until they become translucent and softened, about 2 minutes.

Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for 30 seconds to release their intense flavors.

Step 2: Introduce Beans and Build Flavor

Add the creamy butter beans to the skillet.

Sprinkle with salt and a dash of smoky paprika.

Pour in apple cider vinegar and let it reduce, creating a tangy base.

Introduce vegetable stock and fresh basil leaves, then allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, letting the beans absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Step 3: Create Creamy Finale

Swirl in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious sauce.

Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the creamy mixture.

You can cover the skillet briefly to help the spinach soften quickly.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Butter Bean Cooking Insights and Tips

• Use the sun-dried tomato oil from the jar to add an extra layer of rich, tangy taste to your base sauté.
• Simmer beans gently to keep them creamy and intact, avoiding a mushy consistency that can happen with aggressive cooking.
• Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
• Cover the pan momentarily to help spinach wilt faster and retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the dish's luxurious, creamy texture.

Fresh Takes on Tuscan Butter Beans and Spinach

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace basil with oregano and thyme for a deeper Mediterranean flavor profile, using vegetable stock instead of traditional stock.
• Vegan Creamy Option: Substitute dairy cream with cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, maintaining rich texture and umami taste.
• Protein Power Boost: Add crumbled plant-based chorizo or diced chicken during bean simmering stage for extra protein and smoky complexity.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, swap paprika for chipotle powder, and mix in roasted corn kernels for a zesty southwestern-inspired version.

Plating Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

• Rustic Italian Plate Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean Salad Companion: Top with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese, creating a light and zesty side dish.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the beans over quinoa or brown rice, adding a soft-boiled egg for extra nutrition and texture.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Spoon warm beans into small ceramic ramekins, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an impressive starter.

Saving Leftover Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

• Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain flavor.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Keeps well for up to 2 months. Recommended to freeze without cream for best texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of stock or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak dried beans overnight and cook them until tender before using in this recipe. Plan for about 1-2 hours of additional cooking time compared to canned beans.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be vegetarian if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. As written with Parmesan cheese, it’s vegetarian but not vegan.

• What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don't have them?

You can use roasted red peppers or tomato paste as alternatives. They’ll provide a similar depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add cooked chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or pan-seared tofu to increase the protein content while maintaining the recipe’s Mediterranean flavors.

Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tuscan butter beans with spinach emerges as a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for hearty meals. Fragrant herbs and silky beans create a delightful Mediterranean experience that will satisfy hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) butter beans or cannellini beans, drained
• 4–5 sun-dried or sun-blushed tomatoes (or mix both)
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar

Seasonings & Liquids:

• 250 milliliters (1 cup) vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 fresh basil leaves, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
• Salt to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 125 milliliters (1/2 cup) single/light cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 30 grams (1 cup) fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Warm sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over gentle heat, gently sautéing finely chopped shallots for approximately 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Quickly introduce minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
3. Carefully fold in butter beans, sprinkling with salt and paprika, then deglaze the pan with apple cider vinegar, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.
4. Pour in vegetable stock and fresh basil, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, allowing beans to absorb surrounding seasonings.
5. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
6. Add fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to gently wilt into the mixture by covering the skillet briefly to expedite the process.
7. Perform final seasoning with additional salt if needed, then remove from heat, ensuring beans are tender and spinach is perfectly wilted.

Notes

• Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer flavor infusion into the dish.
• Rinse canned butter beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch for better texture.
• Use fresh spinach leaves for vibrant color and maximum nutritional benefits, avoiding frozen varieties.
• Adjust liquid consistency by adding more stock if beans appear too dry during simmering process.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 20mg