Marry Me White Bean and Spinach Skillet

$- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 medium yellow onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup vegetable broth - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish This dish brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients. The white beans offer a creamy texture. They serve as the heart of the dish. Fresh spinach adds a bright green color and nutrients. The yellow onion and garlic build a savory base. The spices elevate the flavor profile. Ground cumin gives warmth and depth. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Red pepper flakes can give a little kick. Adjust them to your taste. Olive oil helps to sauté and brings richness. Vegetable broth adds moisture and flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in making this skillet delightful. You can easily find them at your local store. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Rinse and drain the white beans. - Chop the spinach and onion. - Mince the garlic. First, you need to prepare your ingredients. Rinse the white beans well in a colander. This step removes extra salt and liquid. Next, chop the spinach into small pieces. A rough chop works well. Dice the onion into small cubes for even cooking. Finally, mince the garlic. This adds a strong flavor to the dish. - Sautéing onion and garlic. - Adding spices and beans. - Simmering with vegetable broth. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic along with cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to mix the flavors. Cook for one more minute until it smells great. Next, add the rinsed white beans to the skillet. Stir them into the onion and spice mixture. Pour the vegetable broth in and mix. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about five minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Incorporating spinach and seasoning. - Garnishing with parsley. Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it in until the spinach wilts down completely. This should take about two to three minutes. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the dish. Mix it in well. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a nice touch and fresh taste. Serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic look. Enjoy your meal! How to avoid burning garlic To keep garlic from burning, add it after the onion softens. This way, it cooks gently and stays sweet. Stir it often, just for a minute until it smells good. Ensuring beans are heated through When adding beans, stir them well. Pour in vegetable broth and keep the heat low. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes. This warms the beans without drying them out. Serving suggestions for visual appeal Serve the skillet dish straight from the pan. It looks rustic and inviting. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil on top for shine. Pairing ideas with bread and quinoa This dish pairs well with warm, crusty bread. You can also serve it over fluffy quinoa. The bread adds a nice crunch, while quinoa adds a soft texture. Adjusting spice levels To change the spice, add more or less red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you want extra heat. Balancing acidity with lemon juice Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Squeeze it in at the end. Taste it and add more if needed. The right amount makes the flavors pop. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant color to your dish. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, start with half the amount and add more as desired. Enhance with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil. Adding them can elevate the flavor profile and add a fresh aroma. Perfect Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa. Consider serving with a side salad for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can switch the white beans for other types. Great options are navy beans or chickpeas. Each bean adds a unique taste and texture. Varying greens can change the dish too. Try kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a new twist. These greens bring different flavors and nutrients. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch. For a vegan version, this dish is already perfect. Just ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein. If you need gluten-free options, ensure the vegetable broth is gluten-free. This dish usually fits in many diets, so feel free to adjust. You can serve this dish as a main course or a side. As a main dish, add a grain like quinoa or rice. This will make it heartier and more filling. If you prefer, you can turn it into a soup. Just add more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. This keeps the flavors while changing the texture, making it warm and comforting. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep the flavors fresh. For freezing, portion the dish into smaller containers. This makes reheating easier. Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container. This allows for expansion when freezing. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Marry Me White Bean and Spinach Skillet lasts well in the fridge for about three days. If frozen, it can stay good for three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it out. Enjoy your delicious meal while it’s fresh! You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Fluffy quinoa for added texture - A fresh green salad for crunch - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor Each option pairs well and makes your meal more filling. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Here are some pros and cons: Advantages: - Frozen spinach is often cheaper. - It has a long shelf life. - It is pre-washed and chopped. Disadvantages: - Frozen spinach has more water, which can dilute the dish. - It may not have the same fresh taste. If you use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it first. This helps avoid excess water in your skillet. You can control the spice level easily. Here are some tips: - To make it spicier: - Add more red pepper flakes. - Include a dash of hot sauce. - To make it milder: - Reduce the red pepper flakes. - Skip the hot sauce. Adjust according to your taste. Enjoy the cooking adventure! In this post, we covered a simple and tasty white bean and spinach skillet. We discussed key ingredients like beans, spices, and fresh greens. I shared easy steps for cooking and tips for presentation. You can even adjust the recipe for your taste or dietary needs. Remember, this dish is great for any meal and can be stored for later use. Enjoy making it your own while exploring different flavors. Happy cooking!$

Marry Me White Bean and Spinach Skillet

A delightful and healthy skillet dish featuring white beans and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste based on desired spice level)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup vegetable broth
1 lemon Juice of
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and continue to cook for an additional minute until the mixture is aromatic.
Incorporate the rinsed and drained white beans into the skillet, mixing them with the sautéed onion and spices. Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Gradually add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts down completely; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the entire skillet and mix thoroughly. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as necessary to enhance the flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat. Just before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For a rustic and inviting look, serve the dish straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or can be served over a bed of fluffy quinoa for an added texture contrast. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top just before serving for a glossy finish.

Keyword healthy, skillet, spinach, vegetarian, white beans