How to Make Spinach-Bean Sauce

An Alternative to Traditional Tomato Sauce

Delicious & Meat-free

I created this recipe, Spinach-Bean sauce, as a result of needing to change things up for the family. We had a newborn and a toddler, the hubs and I weren’t sleeping, and everybody needed to eat. Neither of us wanted to go to the store and we were tired of take out. I was determined to make something out of whatever ingredients we had in the house.  The meal had to have the staples: a starch, a vegetable, and a protein. So, this new creation and now family favorite, was made. 

What’s nice about this recipe is it’s extremely easy and it’s tasty, especially over Spinach-Cheese Ravioli. It is equally as flavorful over any pasta or other ravioli variety. This sauce is meatless and there are alternatives to make it completely vegetarian. If you are looking for a quick, simple, delicious recipe, this Spinach – Bean sauce is worth trying.

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Here it is, I hope you enjoy it.

How to make Spinach-Bean Sauce

You need: 

• 1 can white beans
• Chicken or beef broth/stock – 1 1/2- 2 cups  *for a complete vegetarian meal, use vegetable broth
• A few basil leaves- 3 or a small handful, cut into smaller pieces
• Fresh crushed garlic – 3 cloves will do 
• 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil
• Fresh Spinach – 3 large handfuls
• Black pepper, hot pepper, & paprika – to taste
• Large spoon full of cream cheese
• Parmesan or Pecorino Romano Cheese to sprinkle on top of the finished dish
• Blender & Saute pan or saucepan 

* I prefer the saute pan to make the sauce and I use the saucepan for the pasta or ravioli

Directions:

1. Line the bottom of the saute pan with olive oil, add fresh crushed garlic, and cut basil, don’t heat yet, set aside
2. In blender, add 1 can of beans, broth, and fresh spinach – blend until smooth (photo below)
3. Heat up garlic, olive oil, and basil until sizzling, but DO NOT BROWN the garlic (before and after photos are below)

• If the garlic turns brown it’s burned, throw it out and start again (photo

4. Pour in mixture from blender and heat up until just boiling, stir in pepper & paprika
5. With a whisk, stir mixture as you add cream cheese.
6. Add your favorite pasta or ravioli
7. Sprinkle on some parmesan or Pecorino Romano & Enjoy

Health benefits of this Spinach-Bean Sauce

This sauce is a quick weeknight favorite. Not only is it a great vegetarian option, its packed with protein, and is a heart healthy meal thanks to the beans. Regularly including beans in your diet can help to lower cholesterol. Beans are also high in fiber, making the Spinach-Bean Sauce a healthy choice all around. Just be sure to limit the amount of whole fat dairy you include to meet your dietary modifications, if needed.

NOTES: 

• If you only have pink or red beans, that’s ok…everything turns green. Black beans, although will taste good, may cause an unpleasant color with the green of the spinach. 
• You can use any seasoning, I like the taste of the black & hot pepper with the creamy flavor of the sauce
• If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt, heavy cream or ½&½ – just add a little less broth
• As for how much broth to add, it depends on how thick you want your sauce. Beans and spinach alone in the blender won’t blend, so I usually cover the beans with broth, then add the spinach, and blend until smooth, and add more broth as needed. 

For another meatless recipe try plain marinara sauce, delicious any night of the week.

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