This Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes dish is a savory and hearty meal that brings together the rich, buttery beans, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish, this comforting and nutritious recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors! The creamy butter beans blend perfectly with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh, vibrant spinach. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that’s full of flavor and texture, with the optional red pepper flakes adding a nice kick. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days when you want something healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the butter beans and spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the beans are heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like thyme, oregano, or basil for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan, but for a richer flavor, you can add a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil or a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Other Greens: Feel free to swap the spinach for other leafy greens like kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if necessary to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans, but you’ll need to cook them beforehand. Just soak them overnight and cook until tender before using them in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or add fresh chopped chilies for an extra kick.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works just as well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the recipe.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
5. Can I use other beans besides butter beans?
Yes, you can substitute butter beans with other beans like white beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of bean.
6. How can I make this dish creamier?
For a creamier texture, stir in a little coconut milk or vegetable cream at the end of cooking.
7. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, and it will taste even better the next day!
8. How do I know when the spinach is done?
The spinach is done when it’s wilted and tender, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop.
10. Can I make this dish without olive oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil if you prefer, or even use vegetable broth to sauté the garlic and tomatoes for a lower-fat version.
Conclusion
Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a wonderfully hearty and flavorful dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect as a quick weeknight meal or as a flavorful side dish. Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own, and enjoy this comforting, nutritious dish!
Print
Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is a quick and flavorful dish packed with creamy butter beans, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in just 15 minutes, this healthy and satisfying meal is naturally vegan and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a nutritious side dish. Serve it on its own, with crusty bread, or over rice for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the butter beans and spinach. Cook for 5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the beans are heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein: Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chilies for more heat.
- Other Greens: Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a little coconut milk or vegetable cream at the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
