Creamy Mediterranean White Beans and Greens
This Greek-inspired one-pot stew transforms humble white beans into a creamy, comforting dish using caramelized Brussels sprouts, tender spinach, and a bright lemon finish. Naturally dairy-free, hearty, and balanced with sweet, tart, and savory notes, it’s a Mediterranean favorite made simple.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large leek, sliced
- 4 stalks green onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
The Stars
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz each
- 3 cups baby spinach
Broth & Seasoning
- 2 cups vegetable broth low sodium
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leeks, green onions, and Brussels sprouts. Sauté 8–10 minutes until caramelized and golden on the edges.
- Push vegetables to the side and add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the center. Cook 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cannellini beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Crush about 20% of the beans against the pot to release starch and thicken the broth.
- After 5–7 minutes, lower the heat and fold in the spinach until wilted. Remove from heat, add lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and black pepper.
Notes
Serve with toasted sourdough, a poached egg, or toasted seeds for crunch. This stew tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 2 months.
Additional Nutrients: Vitamin B6: 0.5mg | Vitamin E: 4mg | Vitamin K: 336µg | Folate: 220µg | Manganese: 1mg | Magnesium: 121mg
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving (1 of 4, without bread)| Nutrient | Amount | Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 306 kcal | Cholesterol | 17mg |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | Sodium | 496mg |
| Protein | 15g | Potassium | 1119mg |
| Fat | 12g | Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | Sugar | 3g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | Vitamin A | 4822 IU |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | Vitamin C | 81mg |
| Trans Fat | 0g | Iron | 7mg |
| Calcium | 286mg | Zinc | 2mg |