Beans and Greens Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Beans and greens is a timeless vegetarian dish that brings together the earthy richness of beans with the fresh, vibrant flavors of leafy greens. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal prep option, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Packed with protein, fiber, and an abundance of vitamins, beans and greens is as wholesome as it is delicious. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize based on your pantry staples and preferences.

This dish is rooted in many cultures, from Southern soul food to Mediterranean cuisine, and it’s loved for its comforting texture and bold flavors. In this recipe, we’ll use tender cannellini beans paired with sautéed kale and spinach, seasoned with garlic, onion, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth.

If you’re new to cooking with greens or want a simple way to enjoy plant-based meals, this beans and greens recipe is a fantastic place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beans and greens vegetarian recipe is a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger yet light enough to keep you feeling energized.

The combination of creamy beans and slightly bitter greens creates a delightful contrast that makes every bite interesting.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can swap kale for collard greens, add different beans like chickpeas or black beans, or spice it up with chili flakes or fresh herbs.

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just want to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this dish is a keeper.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or grated vegan parmesan

Equipment

• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Citrus juicer or fork (for lemon)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans, and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm them through and allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add the chopped kale to the pan. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover the pan with a lid, and let the kale steam for about 5 minutes until it softens and reduces in volume.
5. Uncover and add the spinach. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or vegan parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For even more depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari in step 3 for umami richness.

Feel free to swap the greens! Collard greens, Swiss chard, or mustard greens work wonderfully if kale isn’t your favorite.

Want a smoky twist? Add a few drops of liquid smoke or stir in diced smoked tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

If you prefer dried beans, soak 1 cup of cannellini beans overnight and cook separately before adding them in step 3.

For a spicy kick, garnish with thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beans and greens dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs wonderfully with crusty whole grain bread or warm pita for dipping.

Alternatively, serve it atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

For an added texture contrast, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds over the top. A dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce can also add a lovely creaminess and tang.

If you’re interested in exploring more plant-based recipes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for hearty vegan options, or try the Kale Tonic First Watch Recipe for another vibrant greens-based dish.

Conclusion

This beans and greens vegetarian recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a nourishing and satisfying meal. It’s packed with wholesome nutrients, easy to prepare, and adaptable to whatever you have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish offers comfort and health in every bite.

Embracing more plant-based meals doesn’t have to be complicated, and with recipes like this one, you can enjoy the rich flavors of beans and fresh greens while supporting your wellness goals. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and explore some of our other favorites like the Magic Dough Recipe for homemade bread or the crowd-pleasing Lump Of Coal Recipe for a hearty side dish.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beans and Greens Vegetarian Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious dish combining tender beans with saut\u00e9ed greens. Perfect as a main or side, rich in fiber and flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped”, “1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in cannellini beans, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm, topped with Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}