A quick one pot creamy bean recipe perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
This is a weeknight favorite for us, it's such an easy recipe and better yet it's no waste, not even the canned bean juice is thrown out! On top of being quick to make, it's even quicker to clean up since this is a one-pot recipe. We love that! Especially since we don't own a dishwasher.
Is Canned Bean Goop Safe to Consume?
Yep! It's perfectly safe to eat! Just keep in mind that not all canned bean juice is created equal. The goop is a mixture of water, salt and starch released from the beans. This starchy salty goop is great for thickening soups and stews. Canellini beans in particular are quite starchy, so using the full can is going to make some creamy white beans.
Concerned About Sodium?
Since salt is a preservative within the canned beans the bean goop is going to be very salty. If you are concerned about the amount of sodium in canned beans, be sure to use beans labelled with "no sodium added".
Alternatively, you can use dried beans and use water with a thickening agent like arrowroot powder.
Ingredients
- Cannelini beans (in can): Using canned beans makes this recipe very quick to prepare and we use the liquid inside the can to thicken up the dish.
- Tomato paste: We like using the kind that comes from a tube like toothpaste.
- Onion: Use whatever onions you have, or use 1 Tbsp powdered onion.
- Garlic: Fresh or 1 tsp powdered garlic.
- Paprika: Adds a nice warmth.
- Fresh Spinach: Feel free to use any fresh leafy greens of your choice.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle is used to saute the onion and garlic.
How to Make Creamy White Beans
This recipe is three things, quick, simple, and easy. Since we're using canned beans, you can make this recipe in under 20 minutes, and if you're really in a hurry, you can replace the fresh garlic and onion for the powdered versions.
- Prepare: Mince garlic and dice onion, drizzle olive oil in pan and set it to medium heat.
- Cook: Once the oil is hot, saute the onion and garlic for a minute, sprinkle with smoked paprika, add the tomato paste, and full can of beans (without draining), lower heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes.
- Finish: After the mixture has cooked, turn off the heat and add two handfuls of spinach, mix until the spinach has reduced in size.
- Plate: Plate and Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- With a drizzle of miyokos pourable mozzarella cheese for added creaminess and a cheesy flavor.
- With toast for scooping.
Pairing Suggestions
This recipe is a good dinner or lunch option, you might enjoy pairing it with:
We hope you enjoy this recipe. Remember, every step you take towards a plant-based lifestyle is something to be proud of.
Whether you're vegan, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or just here for a delicious recipe -
thank you for being part of the journey with us!
Ingredients
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach about two handfuls
Instructions
- Mince the 4 cloves garlic and dice the 1 small onion.
- Heat olive oil on medium-high heat and add the garlic and onion once hot. Saute garlic and onion until soft, then add 1 tsp smoked paprika and cook for a about minute.
- Add 1 Tbsp tomato paste and 1 can cannellini beans (including the liquid), lower heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off heat and add 2 cups fresh spinach, stir in until spinach has reduced in size. Add some 1 pinch black pepper to taste.
- Serve with some warm toast and enjoy!
