Creamy butter beans with lots of lemon and garlic. Divine
Creamy butter beans with lots of lemon and garlic. Divine! is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by By The Forkful on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $4.38 total, $1.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced; lots of garlic as described)
- 1 15‑oz can Butter Beans (drained but keep the liquid (stock) for flavor)
- 1 14.5‑oz can Diced Tomatoes (conservative amount; use the juice as part of the stock)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- ½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, plus extra for finishing)
- 2 tbsp Cream Cheese (softened; big spoonful as described)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed; lots and lots of lemon juice for zing)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (handful, chopped)
- 1 tsp Chili Oil (drizzle at the end for heat)
- 4 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Open the cans of butter beans and diced tomatoes. Drain the beans but reserve the liquid. Mince the garlic, chop the spinach, and measure out all seasonings and the cream cheese.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Garlic
Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a thin drizzle of oil (optional) and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Do not let it brown too much.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Add the butter beans with their reserved liquid, the canned tomatoes with their juice, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Simmer and Crush Tomatoes
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 8 minutes, using the back of a spoon to crush the tomatoes into a slightly chunky sauce.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Low simmer
Incorporate Cream Cheese
Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely and blend into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Lemon Juice and Spinach
Pour in the lemon juice, then add the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Finish and Serve
Season with a final pinch of black pepper, drizzle the chili oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot straight from the pan.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder
- Instead of Butter Beans: Canned white beans, Canned cannellini beans
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Dried Basil: Fresh basil, chopped
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Lemon Juice: White wine vinegar (use half amount)
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Baby kale
- Instead of Chili Oil: Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté garlic without burning it.
- Crush the tomatoes to achieve the right sauce texture.
- Fully melt the cream cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh zing.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high-quality extra‑virgin olive oil for sautéing the garlic for extra flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese with silken tofu or a plant‑based cream cheese alternative.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the chili oil for extra heat.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Add a little of the reserved bean liquid or water, 1‑2 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Sauce is watery.
Increase simmer time uncovered to reduce excess liquid, stirring occasionally.
Spinach turns mushy.
Add spinach at the very end and stir just until wilted (about 1‑2 minutes).
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to spinach texture changes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dish reheats well; store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore sauce consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlicky lemony butter beans in Mediterranean cuisine?
Butter beans (also known as lima beans) have been cultivated in the Mediterranean for centuries and are often paired with bright flavors like lemon, garlic, and herbs. The combination reflects the region’s love for simple, fresh, and hearty vegetable dishes that can be made quickly with pantry staples.
What are the traditional regional variations of butter bean dishes in Mediterranean cooking?
In Italy, butter beans are simmered with tomatoes, rosemary, and Pecorino cheese. In Spain, they appear in stews with chorizo and paprika. The garlicky lemony version is a lighter, vegetarian twist that emphasizes citrus and fresh herbs typical of coastal Mediterranean kitchens.
How is garlicky lemony butter beans traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is often served as a main course alongside crusty bread or over a bed of couscous, and sometimes paired with a simple green salad. The dish can also be a hearty side to grilled fish or chicken.
What occasions or celebrations is garlicky lemony butter beans associated with in Mediterranean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the dish is popular for everyday family meals, summer picnics, and as a quick weekday dinner after market shopping. Its bright lemon flavor makes it a favorite for warm-weather gatherings.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for garlicky lemony butter beans, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include butter beans, garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried or fresh basil, and olive oil. Acceptable substitutes are white beans for butter beans, Greek yogurt for cream cheese (for a lighter version), and red pepper flakes instead of chili oil for heat.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with garlicky lemony butter beans?
Pair it with grilled halloumi, a simple tomato‑cucumber salad, roasted eggplant, or a side of herbed couscous. A glass of crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the lemony brightness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlicky lemony butter beans at home?
The biggest pitfalls are burning the garlic, over‑cooking the spinach, and adding lemon juice too early, which can dull its flavor. Also, neglecting to crush the tomatoes can leave the sauce too watery.
Why does this garlicky lemony butter beans recipe use cream cheese instead of a dairy‑free alternative?
Cream cheese adds a silky richness that balances the acidity of the lemon and the tang of the tomatoes without overwhelming the beans. A dairy‑free alternative can be used, but it will change the texture slightly.
Can I make garlicky lemony butter beans ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, the dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or bean liquid if the sauce has thickened. Avoid freezing, as the spinach can become mushy.
What does the YouTube channel By The Forkful specialize in?
The YouTube channel By The Forkful focuses on simple, one‑pot vegetarian meals that are quick to prepare, budget‑friendly, and packed with flavor, often highlighting seasonal produce and pantry staples.
How does the YouTube channel By The Forkful's approach to Mediterranean‑inspired cooking differ from other vegetarian cooking channels?
By The Forkful emphasizes minimal cleanup and uses a single skillet for most recipes, prioritizing fresh herbs, citrus, and bold garlic flavors that reflect Mediterranean traditions, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or multiple dishes.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
