Spinach and White Beans

Name: Spinach and White Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3-4 garlic cloves (minced); 10 ounces boxed frozen chopped spinach; 14 ounces canned white beans ((like cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained); 2 pinches Ground nutmeg; Salt and freshly ground black pepper

This vegan dish of Spinach and White Beans is easy enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough for a holiday! This recipes uses only 5 ingredients and is ready in only 15 minutes.

Spinach and White Beans in a blue bowl with a spoon and napkin

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Ingredients
How to make spinach and white beans
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FAQ
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Today I’m updating another old favorite that we eat frequently, but is still fancy enough to find a spot on your Thanksgiving table. It’s spinach and white beans!

This recipe for spinach and white beans is one of my go-to veggie side dishes. Its equally as easy as roasted broccoli and surprisingly delicious.

I make this most often to accompany a very plain pasta dish (such as mac and cheese or spaghetti aglio olio) that doesn’t give us any protein or veggies. This side dish does both!

a blue bowl of sauteed spinach with canellini beans

Packed with nutrition, the spinach and beans get loads of flavor from the garlic and hint of nutmeg. The dish comes together in less time than it takes to make a box of mac and cheese, so its perfect for those busy nights.

If you have a big family, I would double or triple this recipe. My husband and I could almost eat this whole batch in one sitting.

Even if you think you don’t like spinach, give this a try. I think you’re going to be really surprised!

Ingredients

Great northern beans
Spinach
Olive oil
Garlic
Nutmeg
Salt
Pepper

How to make spinach and white beans

Defrost the spinach in the microwave according to package directions. Place in a kitchen towel and wring it of excess moisture.
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until a pale blonde color.
Add the beans then the spinach, breaking it up as you add it to the pan.
Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Top tips

Rinse your beans

Don’t forget to rinse and drain your canned beans before using them in this recipe. Of course you could also cook your own great northern beans if you don’t want to use canned.

How to remove water from frozen spinach

It is important to remove excess water from your frozen, thawed spinach to prevent the final dish from being too watery. This is easy to do with just a clean kitchen towel.

After defrosting your spinach, transfer it to the center of a clean kitchen towel. Fold in the top and bottom of the towel, then grab each side with your hands, hold it over a sink or bowl, and twist the towel in opposing directions to wring the water out of it.

I like to keep adjusting my grip as I squeeze it tighter to really get all that water out of there. Alternatively, you could place this towel in a strainer and press on it to squeeze the water out.

a polka dot plate with spaghetti, spinach, and white beans

Nutmeg: the secret ingredient

You might only be familiar with using nutmeg in sweet recipes, but it actually makes a lovely pair with spinach! Sprinkle nutmeg on at the end of cooking and experiment with the amount that tastes best to you.

Tips for customizing:

Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a little spice
Try using other cooked leafy greens such as bok choy or mustard greens
This recipe for spinach and white beans is already vegan and gluten-free, so no need for substitutions there!
Use as a filling for spinach and white bean grilled cheese with lots of creamy fontina
Add an extra drizzle of olive oil and toss with leftover spaghetti noodles

FAQ

Is spinach and beans healthy?

This recipe makes a really healthy side dish or light lunch. I try to eat a lot of spinach because it’s high in iron.

As a general non-meat eater, I’ve found it’s really important to keep an eye on my iron intake. Aside from cooking as much as possible in my cast iron skillet (umm, hi chickpeas!), spinach it is!

When a recipe says white beans, what does it mean?

White beans generally refer to great northern beans, cannellini beans (white kidney beans), or navy beans. I like great northern beans in this recipe but any of these will work.

Why do you rinse canned white beans?

Canned beans are stored in a thick liquid to keep them fresh. If you didn’t rinse this liquid off, the final dish would not have the right texture and might even feel a bit slimy.

cooked spinach and beans on a polka dot plate with spaghetti and more in a blue bowl

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a blue bowl of spinach and white beans with a spoon and napkin

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